Crammed full of delights to see and do in Macau
Macau a world-class tourism destination
Macau the Las Vegas of the east
I explored the remarkable transformation of Macau, a city that has reinvented itself to become a thriving hub of heritage, modernity, and unrivalled leisure experiences.
Macau has become a world-class tourism destination.
Nestled downstream from Guangzhou and at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta, Macau boasts a rich and illustrious history that spans the ages.
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Like that of Hong Kong – situated on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta – Macau’s story began because of its location. Although both cities share a common historical background, their paths diverged significantly as they evolved into the modern metropolises we witness today.
Thousands of years ago, both were small fishing and farming enclaves inhabited by people who migrated south from the north and interior of China to fish and settle in remote and peaceful coastal areas.
Then, hundreds of years ago, these two sparsely populated fishing villages attracted foreign traders.
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European traders first established a trading post in Hong Kong with the arrival of Portuguese explorer Jorge Alvares in 1513.
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More Portuguese merchants arrived to further trade and settled in Macau after Portugal acquired a permanent lease in 1557, paying 500 taels of silver as annual rent.
The two cities sit like sentinels to the Pearl River Delta’s entryway. From the time the first foreign traders arrived, Hong Kong on the eastern side and Macau on its western flank provided the outposts and the entry into the vast markets of China.
China trade
During the eighteenth century, the trade of opium to China became so lucrative that both territories became essential ports of call en route to China.
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The strategic significance of Hong Kong and Macau was undeniable, making them worthy of fierce battles and relentless pursuit. And unfortunately, in wars, there are winners and losers.
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Following the First Opium War, Hong Kong Island was ceded, in perpetuity, to the British in 1842. Then, after the Second Opium War in 1860, Kowloon was also surrendered to the British.
Following Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony, Portugal secured an agreement with China in 1887, granting them perpetual colonial and governance rights over Macau and solidifying its status as a Portuguese territory.
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With the governance and control of foreign powers firmly established over both regions, the subsequent evolution of Hong Kong and Macau took different paths, leading to distinct trajectories for each place.
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By the time Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 and then Macau in 1999, each city had established its own identity.
Asian and European
With parentage from both Chinese and European influences, Hong Kong and Macau appeared to be half-siblings with similar ancestry but with divergent outcomes.
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Hong Kong became a global commercial and financial centre. Macau became a place for leisure travel, with the gambling industry being the lead draw for visitors.
Although it is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the east”, I think this unduly associates Macau with gambling as the city has emerged from its former label as a place for this singular activity.
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For decades, I have been a regular visitor to Macau, returning time and again to immerse myself in its unique charm.
Typically, I visit the former Portuguese territory to soak in its history and fusion-inspired food and wine.
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The atmosphere is casual and easy with its southern European charm and is a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of its half-sibling Hong Kong.
Pearl River Delta
The city now offers much more. I believe it would be more suitable to give it a better moniker to herald its emergence as the “entertainment and leisure” epicentre of the Pearl River Delta.
Macau is on a quest to offer something for everyone, regardless of age. With a comprehensive range of attractions and activities, the city ensures it fulfils every aspect of being a top-tier vacation destination, constantly striving to secure and maintain its well-deserved status.
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Macau’s businesses warmly invite visitors to extend their stay beyond a single day, encouraging them to indulge in the city’s offerings for a few more delightful days.
Whether it’s the charming boutique hotels, the affordable multi-themed guestrooms at the Lisboeta Hotel, or the opulent grandeur of the luxurious Grand Hyatt, the city offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget.
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For arts and culture, Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023 offers an exhibition of works by local and international artists.
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The highlight exhibition is on display in the Macao Museum of Art, while ancillary and companion shows are hosted in various galleries and hotel lobbies throughout the city.
A showcase of modern and contemporary masterpieces by over 200 artists from more than twenty countries, there were seriously contemplative pieces.
Some of these included the installation Descendants of Dragon and Snake, 2023, by Zhang Ke, and the very educational A Re-Encounter with Leonardo da Vinci show at Wynn Macau.
Art Macau International Art Biennale
The whimsical was also on display, such as Mickey Lobster, a collaboration and tribute to the classic Disney character, 2023, by Philip Colbert at Sands Resort Macao, and the genuinely awesome Doodle Cube, 2023, multimedia art installation at City of Dreams by Mr Doodle.
Disney Art Collection by Mr Doodle
For foodies, Macau serves street food in its older neighbourhoods and speciality cafes and eateries.
The areas especially along streets such as Rua dos Ervanarios, features traditional local industries, creative goods and food products.
Around Senado Square and the historic city centre, merchants offer free samples of jerky, biscuits and locally-made treats to entice visitors to shop and buy.
Taipa Village
Gourmets and gourmands have no shortage of choice for lunch and dinner.
The classic appetisers from the degustation menu by Jereme Leung at Jiang Nan at The Venetian Macao are an excellent way to start mid-day.
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Then, the Baked Octopus “A Lagarerio” accompanied by wine at La Famiglia, a restaurant in Taipa Village, serving authentic homemade Macanese food in a family-style atmosphere, is the way to end the evening.
teamLab SuperNature
Like the feast for the senses provided by the vast array of F&B choices throughout Macau, a fascinating experience is supplied by teamLab SuperNature at The Venetian Macao.
A three-dimensional interactive environment offers a full “body immersion art space” that shows works that explore man and nature.
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In the feature titled En Tea House, a multi-sensory experience is provided by a cup of tea and a scoop of green tea ice cream, whereby projections of flowers and vines bloom from the physical world, connecting the viewer to the ethereal one.
I had a fully immersive moment in their feature titled Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life, when I wandered into a room filled from floor to ceiling with bubbles, unable to see or hear anything. I felt like I was floating outside freely amongst the clouds.
Studio City Waterpark
There is an array of thrilling leisure activities suitable for families and adventurous souls alike.
Dive into all-weather aquatic adventures at Studio City Waterpark, conquer the heights with Zipcity, or experience the exhilaration of indoor skydiving at Go Airborne in Lisboeta Macau.
Macau Fireworks Contest
To elevate your evening to fabulous heights, indulge in a traditional Portuguese dinner at Tromba Rija, nestled within the iconic Macau Tower.
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With a front-row seat to the breathtaking Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, this experience should be on every itinerary.
During the contest’s weekends, Tromba Rija offers a delectable dinner buffet with a private space for optimal fireworks viewing.
The package price is undeniably worthwhile and added the perfect touch of magic to my return visit to Macau.
Macau International Fireworks Contest
Macau world-class tourism
From delving into its rich historical tapestry to immersing myself in its vibrant arts scene, savouring tantalising culinary delights, and embracing thrilling adventures, Macau has indeed emerged as a world-class destination.
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Whether seeking cultural immersion, family fun, or indulgent leisure, Macau offers an enchanting tapestry of experiences that will create unforgettable memories in this thriving city where old meets new in the most extraordinary ways.
Text & photos Cammy Yiu
