The China House was built in 1905 by a successful local merchant. His family enjoyed the magnificent house overlooking the Mekong until the 1970s, when they abandoned it during the downfall of the Khmer Republic and the Khmer Rouge occupation.
In 2005, one of the descendants reportedly purchased and restored the house as part of broader historical preservation efforts throughout the city.
Behind the colonial facades you'll find exposed rafters, distressed walls, antique Chinese furniture, and eclectic tiles. Highly Instagrammable, the Chinese House has emerged as a playground for the local art and fashion scene — a sophisticated gathering place unlike anywhere else in Phnom Penh.