Small and perfectly formed, Macao’s Portuguese and Chinese heritage makes it a unique place to visit Located forty miles across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, Macao’s geographical location and natural harbor made it a stopo? of choice as part of the ancient Silk Road.The Portuguese arrived here in the 16th century and it quickly became a major trading post between China, Japan, India, and Europe as well as a meeting point for east and west cultures. Although Macao became a Special Administrative Region of China in 1999, a designation which marked 20 years in 2019, the influences from Portugal and China remain distinctive. Turn down one street and find exquisite Chinese gardens, bustling street markets and incense-scented temples, walk down the next and step into vast cobbled squares lined with custard-colored mansions reminiscent of old Lisbon.
But there’s more to Macao than its unique history. This is a destination that is heaven for foodies, from exceptional Michelin-star dining to mouth-watering street food and its own unique local fusion cuisine.
At night, the skyline shimmers in a cascade of color, its glittering nightlife the match of any in Asia, while daytime attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture of the Historic Centre, the adrenaline rush of one of the world’s highest bungee jumps at the Macau Tower, and the adorable residents at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion.
Macao’s evocative fusion of East and West, old and new, makes it an ideal bolt-on or stopover destination on your next journey east.
An effervescent fusion of East and West, Macao’s attractions span centuries, cultures and cuisines
THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF MACAO
The beating heart of Macao is its beautiful Historic Centre which knits together Portuguese and Chinese heritage seamlessly.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, its labyrinth of streets reveal grand cobbled squares, pastel-hued buildings, and incense-infused temples and is the true essence of Macao. Highlights of the 30 buildings and squares include:
Ruins of St Paul’s: An imposing façade is all that’s left of the fire-ravaged 17th-century Portuguese church, now an iconic site.
Senado Square: This attractive cobblestoned plaza, more triangular than square, features a memorial fountain and is surrounded by beautiful pastel-colored architecture.
A-Ma Temple: This atmospheric Chinese temple, the oldest surviving structure in Macao, is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu and features a Buddhist pavilion.
TAIPA VILLAGE
Once a fishing hamlet, Taipa Village is steeped in eastern and western heritage, and its candy-colored houses and quiet backstreets give a flavor of old Macao. Gastronomes flock to Rua do Cunha (Food Street) for local delicacies, Portuguese eateries, and Chinese bakeries. Connected to the Peninsula by three bridges Taipa is also home to the historic green-and-white Taipa Houses and atmospheric Chinese temples.
COLOANE
With its beaches, hiking trails, and waterfront village with rustic Portuguese eateries, Coloane has a laid-back vibe. It has culture too. Visit the ancient temple of Tin Hau or the yellow-hued chapel of St Francis Xavier with its beautiful baroque-style façade.
STEP OUT, MACAO
Explore Macao’s key sites, characterful neighborhoods, and parishes on foot with Step Out, Macao’s self-guided walking tours. Jump online and VISITMACAO.CO.UK
MACAO BY DAY | 5
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, its labyrinth of streets reveal grand cobbled squares, pastel-hued buildings, and incense-infused temples
RETAIL THERAPY
Macao is a great destination for those who like to “shop ‘til they drop”. For unique souvenirs visit the daily street market in the ThreeLamps District Taipa FleaMarket on Sundays. For luxury labels there are malls and designer boutiques aplenty
MACAO GIANT PANDA PAVILION
In Coloane’s Seac Pai Van Park, the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion is a big draw. The huge 3,000-square-metre facility houses a family of giant pandas, including Kai Kai and Xin Xin, and their mischievous twins born in 2016. Don’t miss the adorable red pandas, too!
MACAU TOWER
The Macau Tower is a dominating sight on the skyline, standing at a cloud-piercing 338 meters high. Aside from the 360-degree city views from the observation deck and revolving restaurant, it’s also a hotspot for thrill-seekers.
The Macau Tower is home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps at 233 meters high. Or, try the Skywalk stroll around the outer rim of the observation deck, or Tower Climb 100-metres up the mast’s vertical ladders. Activities not for the faint-hearted!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
It’s not all culture and cuisine! Scenic hiking trails include the five-mile Coloane Trail and the 2.5-mile Grand Taipa Trail. Cycle, kayak, or play a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course at the Macao Golf and Country Club. And A Peninsula is a faily lak area with pedal boats for hire, art installations and craft shops, as well as cafes and restaurants.
MUSEUMS
Macao is a veritable hav of culture. Great museums include the Macao Tea Culture House and Maritime Museum. Learn about the region’s unique heritage in the Macao Museum, while the Macao Museum of Art has Chinese and Western art and was one of the hosts of the first Art Macao in 2019, a five-month arts and cultural event.
