A Quick Background
Just a quick jet boat ride from Hong Kong, historic Macau has exploded into Asia’s 21st century entertainment playground. But the fun and games aren’t just limited to the world-class casinos; Macau’s Portuguese colonial heritage is still much alive in its tiled piazzas, colorful streets and burgeoning food and wine scene.
Macau has always had its place on the international scene. Even in the earliest days of the famous Silk Road, it was known as Ou Mun, or "trading gate", because of its location at the mouth of the Pearl River.
In the early 1550s the Portuguese reached Macau, and with the permission of the local mandarins, established a city that within a short time had become a major entrepot for trade between China, Japan, India and Europe and the perfect crossroad for the meeting of East and West cultures.
In modern times Macau has developed industries such as textiles, electronics and toys, as well as building a world class tourism industry with a wide choice of hotels, resorts, sports facilities, restaurants and casinos.
Macau, like Hong Kong, has been a “Special Administrative Region” of the People's Republic of China since 20 December 1999. In the 21st century, Macau continues to grow in size - with more buildings on reclaimed land - and to grow in the number and diversity of its attractions. The greatest of these continues to be Macau's unique culture and people, with communities from the East and West complementing each other like no where else on Earth.
What to Do & See in Macau
Historic Macau
In 2005, the historical center of Macau was given World Heritage status by UNESCO, owing to its unique blend of European and Chinese culture. Clustered around eight squares you’ll find the remains of the first western-style university in the Far East, the first western-style theatre, the first modern lighthouse in China, and examples of Qing merchants' homes.
Macau Museums
With such a rich and varied history, Macau boasts some of the finest treasures in all of Asia. A must see is the Macau Museum whose exhibits trace the history, traditions and modern life of the island. With something for everyone, visitors to Macau will also discover museums dedicated to the island’s maritime history, the annual Grand Prix race, Portuguese wines, modern art, religious relics, traditional housing, firefighting and tea!
Macau Churches
The Portuguese brought with them to Macau a strong devotion to the Catholic Church and over 400 years built a number of beautiful churches and chapels in Macau. The island’s most famous church, St. Paul’s, is now in ruins, with only the stone façade and grand staircase remaining of the original 1602 edifice.
Macau Temples
Sharing the stage with western churches are Macau’s Buddhist and Taoist temples some of which date back as far as the 16th century. Of particular interest in the A- Ma Temple dedicated to the goddesses for whom Macau is named. Built in a boulder strewn hill, the temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens.
Dining in Macau
The combination of Portuguese, Indian and even Malay and Chinese cuisines make up the unique Macanese cuisine which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Among the most popular dishes are African Chicken (grilled in piri piri peppers), Tacho (a hearty stew of Chinese vegetables and different meats), Galinha Portuguesa (Chicken cooked in the oven together with potatoes, onions, egg and saffron), Minchi (minced beef with fried potatoes, soy, onions and a fried egg), Linguado Macau (Macau sole fried and usually served with green salad) and Porco balichão (Balichão' pork). And for dessert try Jagra de ovos (sweet egg tart).
In addition to Macanese style food, there are plenty of restaurants serving Chinese cuisine (mostly Cantonese style) as well as the perennial favorite Dim Sum which is generally served in Macau from early morning until midday only.
Shopping in Macau
Macau is a place where you can purchase almost anything, and have a wonderful time doing it. Luxury items are cheaper here than in other cities in the region with jewelry (particularly 24-carat gold), cameras, porcelain, electronic items, mobile phones, watches, cashmere sweaters and silk clothing are available at very reasonable prices.
Macau is also a great treasure trove for Chinese antiques and collectibles. You can find here ancient coins, 19th century stocks and shares, stamps and other printed material; boxes of tea and coffee from around the world; traditional shops where tea is displayed in wooden drawers and glass goblets; and countless old Chinese Pharmacies packed with traditional medicines.
Entertainment in Macau
Macau is quickly positioning itself as Asia’s playground with a non-stop array of festivals, events and entertainment for all interests. In addition, Macau offers year round concerts as well as exhibition sporting events including tennis, soccer and basketball. Adding an international touch, the newest Cirque du Soliel show has opened in Macau at its own theatre in the Venetian Macau.
Macau's Nightlife is famous for its variety, its frantic pace and constant change. For night owls this is a city that never sleeps, with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants, as well as casinos, open all night long.
There are plenty of casinos in Macau offering probably the widest range of games in the world, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, boule, "big and small", fan-tan and of course, hundreds of the most glittering array of slot machines anywhere (the locals call them "hungry tigers"). Visitors to the casinos should read the sign at each entrance, urging players to chance only what they can afford. The casinos in Macau operate 24 hours a day.
Getting to Macau
Macau can be reached directly by air on any number of international airlines, with connections available from many major Asian cities.
From Hong Kong, there are numerous ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans which make the one hour journey between Hong Kong and Macau each day. In addition, a ferry is available from Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok International Airport directly to Macau.
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