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Macao

Macao

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

  • Nossa Senhora de Fátima
  • Santo António
  • São Lázaro
  • São Lourenço
  • São Francisco Xavier

Best Cities to Visit

  • Nossa Senhora de Fátima
  • Santo António
  • São Lázaro
  • São Lourenço
  • São Francisco Xavier

Size

115 KM2

Population

682,800

GDP

$40,000,000,000

Spending Budget

$711 - $1,026

Famous For

  • Visit Macau Fisherman's Wharf
  • Watch Pandas in the Giant Panda Pavilion
  • Enjoy the Night View of Macau on a Figure-8 Ferris Wheel
  • Feel Your Heart Beat Faster at Macau Tower
  • Satisfy Your Taste Buds with Macau Food
  • Visit Interesting Museums
  • Have a Glimpse at the Luxurious Casinos

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

During the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), the region was under the jurisdiction of Panyu County, Nanhai Prefecture of the province of Guangdong. The region is first known to have been settled during the Han dynasty. It was administratively part of Dongguan Prefecture in the Jin dynasty (265–420 AD), and alternated under the control of Nanhai and Dongguan in later dynasties. In 1152, during the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD), it was under the jurisdiction of the new Xiangshan County. In 1277, approximately 50,000 refugees fleeing the Mongol conquest of China settled in the coastal area. Macau did not develop as a major settlement until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. The first European visitor to reach China by sea was the explorer Jorge Álvares, who arrived in 1513. Merchants first established a trading post in Hong Kong waters at Tamão (present-day Tuen Mun), beginning regular trade with nearby settlements in southern China. Military clashes between the Ming and Portuguese navies followed the expulsion of the Tamão traders in 1521. Despite the trade ban, Portuguese merchants continued to attempt to settle on other parts of the Pearl River estuary, finally settling on Macau. Luso-Chinese trade relations were formally reestablished in 1554 and Portugal soon after acquired a permanent lease for Macau in 1557, agreeing to pay 500 taels of silver as annual land rent. The initially small population of Portuguese merchants rapidly became a growing city. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau was created in 1576, and by 1583, the Senate had been established to handle municipal affairs for the growing settlement. Macau was at the peak of its prosperity as a major entrepôt during the late 16th century, providing a crucial connection in exporting Chinese silk to Japan during the Nanban trade period. Although the Portuguese were initially prohibited from fortifying Macau or stockpiling weapons, the Fortaleza do Monte was constructed in response to frequent Dutch naval incursions. The Dutch attempted to take the city in the 1622 Battle of Macau, but were repelled successfully by the Portuguese. Macau entered a period of decline in the 1640s following a series of catastrophic events for the burgeoning colony: Portuguese access to trade routes was irreparably severed when Japan halted trade in 1639, Portugal revolted against Spain in 1640, and Malacca fell to the Dutch in 1641.

Present Day

Following the transfer, Macau liberalized its casino industry (which previously operated under a government-licensed monopoly) to allow foreign investors, starting a new period of economic development. The regional economy grew by a double-digit annual growth rate from 2002 to 2014, making Macau one of the richest economies in the world on a per capita basis. Political debates have centered on the region's jurisdictional independence and the central government's adherence of "one country, two systems". While issues such as national security legislation have been controversial, Macanese residents generally have high levels of trust in the government. Macau is the last Portuguese colony to gain independence from Portugal and the only one which is not a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, despite Portuguese being one of its official languages. In 2006, during the II Ministerial meeting between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries, the CPLP Executive Secretary and Deputy ambassador Tadeu Soares invited the Chief Executive of the Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Edmund Ho, to request the Associate Observer status for Macau. The Government of Macau has yet to make this request. In 2016, Murade Murargy, then executive secretary of CPLP said in an interview that Macau's membership is a complicated question, since like the Galicia region in Spain, it is not an independent country, but only a part of China. But the Instituto Internacional de Macau and the University of São José are Consultative Observers of CPLP.

Future

Macau is like Hong Kong's little sibling. Both were colonized by European countries, equally influenced in that regard, and share pretty much the same culture. The difference is the type of businesses and services they operate in. Hong Kong has always been the financial hub whereas Macau has maximized its gambling and entertainment industry since the Portuguese made it legal in the colony. Initially monopolized by Stanley Ho's STDM, now the casino market has opened up to other famous Casino chains. Since its handover with Hong Kong to the PRC in the late 90s and the 50 year transition, Macau will primarily serve the Mainland population (of course there will be other tourists) in the gambling and entertainment industries for tourists. As the transition further opens up, Macau and Hong Kong will increasingly target the demands of the Mainland in their respective strengths (legal gambling, low taxes, tax havens, quality control, developed financial sector...). Until China develops its own high end casinos, Macau will have this competitive advantage economically and will no doubt in my mind squeeze every cent out of each gambling establishment. Politically, Macau, like Hong Kong, will go through the adjustment pains of transitioning back to the Mainland but with much economic benefits in the process. It really is a love-hate relationship.
Must Visit Places ------------

The Ruins of St. Paul's

All that remains of St. Paul's Cathedral, once considered the finest Christian building in the Far East, is its imposing Renaissance façade, a Macau landmark standing at the top of a broad flight of granite steps. After the destruction of the first church by fire in 1601, a new one was completed in 1637, modeled on the church of the Gesù in Rome and constructed by Christians driven out of Japan. The church was destroyed by a typhoon and fire in 1835, but its remaining façade still displays a little of the cathedral's former glory. Notable features include an inscription above the doorway dedicating the church to the Mother of God, figures of Jesuit saints, and a profusion of relief ornaments. If you only have a day to explore, you may want to consider a guided tour. You can see the Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple, and many of Macau's other popular sites on a Macau City Sightseeing Tour. Just around the corner is the beautiful Travessa da Paixao, also known locally as Love Lane. This is a narrow street with beautifully restored pink-colored buildings.

Senado Square

In the historic heart of Macau, Senado Square (Senate Square) is a delightful pedestrian area and where you will likely start your visit to Macau. Highlights include the impressive old Senate building, now occupied by the Municipal Council and widely regarded as the finest example of Portuguese colonial architecture in Macau. Built in 1784, the building's exquisite façade was added in 1870, and the whole building was completely restored in 1940. Interior highlights are the Council Chamber with its rich wood paneling and the Senate Library with its more than 50,000 rare manuscripts, some more than 500 years old. The square is also a great spot for shopping, and dining in restaurants featuring both European and Chinese cuisine. It's also home to a number of other tourist attractions, including the 17th-century St. Dominic's Church.

A-Ma Temple

Dedicated to the goddess Matsu, the splendid A-Ma Temple (Templo de A-Má) was built on the Macau Peninsula in 1488 and was the inspiration for the renaming of the city by the Portuguese a few decades later. Part of Macau's UNESCO Historic Center, this Buddhist temple is one of the city's most important religious sites and is well worth exploring. Divided into six easily accessible sections — the Gate Pavilion, Prayer Hall, Memorial Arch, Hall of Benevolence, Zhengjiao Chanlin, and Hall of Guanyin — this temple features numerous interesting things to see, from its many fierce-looking stone lions and statues of the goddess Matsu to shady spots to stop and contemplate the serenity of the temple grounds, as well as spectacular views over the bay. The Foraleza do Monte is located right next to the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Fortaleza do Monte: Home of the Macau Museum

Built in 1626, Fortaleza do Monte was for many years the hub of Portugal's military presence in this part of China, eventually serving as the governor's residence, a role it performed until 1749. Today, this former fortress houses the three-story Macau Museum, dedicated to the archaeology and anthropology of Macau with an emphasis on how the Chinese, Portuguese, and Macanese have come to live and work together. Also worth visiting is the Mount Fortress Garden, a welcome respite with its pleasant moat-like pond and flower beds, and the Moorish-style Mansão Evocativa de Sun Yat-Sen, a mansion built in memory of Sun Yat-sen, founder of the first Chinese Republic. Another related site is Sun Yat Sen Park with its beautiful gardens, a Victorian greenhouse, and an aviary. A-Ma temple is a short cab ride or about a 20-minute walk from Senado Square. A visit here can be combined with a stop at the Maritime Museum.

The Maritime Museum and Fisherman's Wharf

Occupying a modern building opposite the A-Ma Temple, the excellent Maritime Museum (Museu Marítimo de Macau) hosts numerous displays, including a comprehensive collection of material on Macau's maritime history, model ships, and fishing equipment. Also of interest are exhibits illustrating the development of nautical and meteorological instruments, including a number of dioramas portraying important events in the city's seafaring past. In front of the museum is the Inner Harbour (Porto Interior) through which runs the frontier between Macau and China, where you'll see a restored Chinese dragon boat, a sampan, flower boat, and fishing smack used by people fleeing from Vietnam. Also worth a visit is the nearby Macau Fisherman's Wharf (Doca dos Pescadores), a fun theme park encompassing numerous shops, restaurants, and rides built to resemble such famous coastal cities as Amsterdam and Venice.

AJ Hackett Macau Tower

Part of the massive Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, the Macau Tower is easily one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, as well as a popular tourist attraction. Standing 338 meters tall and built for telecommunications and broadcasting, the tower's fun side includes an observation deck boasting phenomenal views over the city, as well as a number of restaurants, theaters, and shopping opportunities. For thrill seekers, there's the Macau Tower Skywalk, a breathtaking walk along the outer rim of the observation level, or you can experience the world's highest bungee jump at the 233-meter mark.

Giant Panda Pavilion

The Giant Panda Pavilion is located on Cotai and is a bit out of the way, but this means crowds are often sparse. It's also one of the best things to do in Macau for families. Housed in a fascinating facility with a translucent roof are several giant pandas, along with red pandas and an assortment of monkeys. The animals are most active and easiest to see in the morning, but they also come around about 2pm, which is feeding time. The facility has beautiful koi ponds, gardens, and a children's playground. Entry to the park area is free, but a nominal fee is charged to view the pandas.

Guia Fortress

Guia Fortress is an oasis of green in the center of Macao and only a short distance from the high-speed ferry terminal. Access is via hiking paths or a short cable car ride. At the top, you'll find impressive views out over Macau, along with old cannons, a small chapel with nicely preserved frescoes dating from the 1600s, and a 91-meter-high lighthouse (closed to entry). There are several sets of tunnels in the fortress open to the public, some are near the lighthouse and some are near the cable car entrance. Located throughout the fortress are exhibits and photos detailing the military history of the area.

Coloane Island and Hac Sa Beach

Joined to the mainland by a bridge and causeway, the island of Coloane lies to the south of the Macau Peninsula, beyond the island of Taipa, and should be included in your Macau itinerary. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to learn Coloane is an island of pine forests, eucalyptus groves, tropical vegetation, and farmland, as well as boasting a number of beautiful beaches of fine white sand. Of these beaches, the best known is Hac Sa Beach on the east side of the island. Part of Coloane Park with its Chinese pavilions and tropical flora, the beach area includes a recreation complex with facilities for swimming, tennis, mini-golf, and other fun amusements. Another beach of note is Cheoc Van Beach at the south end of the island. Also of interest is the Tam Chin Temple, noted for its whalebone model of a ship with a wooden dragon's head, and Coloane Village, a mix of old Chinese and colonial buildings with a charming little chapel dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, in front of which is a monument commemorating a successful Portuguese action against pirates in 1910.

Taipa Island and Taipa House

The island of Taipa, to the south of Macau and linked to it by an imposing high-arched bridge, makes for a fun outing. Formerly a Chinese customs post for vessels putting in at Macau and for decades the traditional site of fireworks factories, the town itself contains large numbers of Chinese shops and Portuguese colonial buildings, along with a popular horse-racing track. Other highlights include the Buddhist Shrine of the Four Faces and Pak Tai Temple, built in 1844 and notable for its rich decoration and its two life-size guardian figures. Of the island's many smaller temples, Tin Hau is the best known and was built some 180 years ago (it's notable for its highly ornamented shrine containing a figure of the goddess). Finally, a must-see is the fully restored colonial Taipa House, home to the Taipa House Museum with its interesting displays of furniture typical of old Macau homes.

Kun Iam: The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy

Dedicated to the goddess of mercy, the current Kun Iam Temple was built in 1627, although references to a temple on the site can be traced back to the Yuan dynasty of the 13th and 14th centuries. In the entrance hall are three figures of Buddha representing the Past, Present, and Future, while another hall contains a figure of the goddess of mercy flanked on either side by nine Buddhas. Also of note is the temple's beautiful courtyard garden where on July 3rd, 1844, the first ever treaty between the US and China was signed. Other notable features include porcelain reliefs and roof turrets with figures dating from the Ming period, and a unique gilded Buddha statue said to resemble famed Venetian, Marco Polo. Behind the temple is a large Chinese garden with its Tree of the Loving Couples, where young lovers offer prayers for good fortune in their future lives. Also worth a visit is Lin Fong Miu Temple, a Taoist site built in 1592 that long served as a staging point for travelers to China.