Macau

Estimated read time 3 min read
Estimated read time 3 min read

All our travel guides for Macau:

Navigating China and her big cities are not an easy feat. Make sure you are connected to the internet to find your way around cities, great food, culture and public transport.
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We highly recommend that you obtain a Wifi egg in advance, it’s not easy at all to get mobile SIM cards in China. The process is tedious due to high security and difference in languages.

Macau, officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a vibrant and unique region located on the southern coast of China. It is one of the world’s most densely populated areas and has a rich history and culture.

History: Macau was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years until it was handed back to China in 1999. The Portuguese influence is still visible in the architecture, cuisine, and language of Macau.

Special Administrative Region: Macau has a unique political status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Under the principle of “one country, two systems,” Macau has a high degree of autonomy and maintains its legal and economic systems, except in matters of defense and foreign affairs.

Economy: Macau’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and gambling. It is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia” due to its numerous casinos and integrated resorts. Gambling revenue in Macau consistently surpasses that of Las Vegas, making it the world’s largest gambling market.

Tourism: Macau attracts millions of visitors each year, primarily from mainland China and neighboring regions. Apart from casinos, Macau offers a blend of cultural attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Historic Centre of Macao, which showcases the city’s rich colonial past.

Culture: Macau is a multicultural destination where Chinese and Portuguese influences blend harmoniously. The blend is evident in the local cuisine, which features a mix of Cantonese and Portuguese flavors. The city celebrates several cultural festivals, including the Macau Grand Prix, Chinese New Year, and the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest.

Landmarks: Macau is home to several iconic landmarks. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 17th-century church facade, is a popular tourist attraction. The Macau Tower, standing at 338 meters, offers breathtaking views of the city. Other notable sites include Senado Square, A-Ma Temple, and the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.

Macau Cotai Strip: The Cotai Strip is a reclaimed area of land that connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa. It is home to many luxurious resorts, hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. The Venetian Macao, one of the world’s largest casinos, is located on the Cotai Strip.

Festivals and Events: Macau hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. The Macau International Dragon Boat Races, Macau International Music Festival, and Macau International Film Festival are some of the notable events that attract international participants and audiences.

Transportation: Macau has an efficient transportation system. The Macau International Airport connects the region to major cities in Asia. In addition, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge provides a direct road connection to Hong Kong and mainland China. Within Macau, public buses, taxis, and a light rail system known as the Macau Light Rapid Transit (MLRT) are available for transportation.

Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, world-class entertainment, and luxurious resorts make it a fascinating destination for tourists from around the globe.