The area of Macau includes a small peninsula jutting off the southern edge of China as well as the nearby islands of Taipa and Coloane. Although it covers an area of only about 20 square kilometers (about 8 square miles), Macau has an ever-increasing population (currently of around 500,000) and a booming economy. This is an area with a fantastic mix of cultures. Its population is 95% Chinese while 5% is Portuguese and immigrants from other countries. The most common language is Cantonese although Mandarin, English, and Portuguese are spoken too.
The hand-over in 1999 signaled the surrender of the final piece of Asian soil under European colonial control. In Macau itself, this colonial historical legacy is nowhere more obvious than at the site of the Bella Vista hotel. Once a glorious colonial style hotel, it is now the residence of the Portuguese consul. The Chinese government has promised to allow Macau to continue as it was before under the “one country two systems” policy. Macau has been made a designated Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Chief Executive of the region is chosen by an electoral college consisting of local representatives. In practice the hand-over was surrounded by less pomp and circumstance than Hong Kong’s hand- over in 1997 and day to day life in the region appears to have continued pretty much as before.
When to go
Winters (January-March) in Macau are sunny but chilly. Summers (April-September) are hot, humid and host to the occasional typhoon. The sunny but low humidity days of autumn (October-December) are the best time to visit Macau. Annual temperatures average just over 20 degrees C. The temperature, coupled with high humidity averaging between 73% and 90%, result in an average annual rainfall of 40 and 80 inches.
What to see
From Hong Kong you can reach Macau by jetfoil, which makes the area a popular day-trip destination. Many of the area’s historic attractions are concentrated towards the centre of the peninsula, but the city’s unique cultural atmosphere exists throughout. This atmosphere has been created by the area’s special ability to blend the European and Oriental cultures of its citizens. The Ruins of St Paul’s is the symbol of Macau, and Monte Fort overlooks most of Macau from its high vantage point and central position. The three ancient temples in Macau are the A-ma Temple with a history of over 500 years, the most famous and impressive Kun Iam Temple, and one of the finest temples in Macau - Lin Fung Temple. The financial success of the region is due largely to the influx of tourists who come here to visit and to play in Macau’s most famous sites - the Casinos. There are many types of gambling waiting to be played, such as horseracing and dog racing. The largest and most famous casino in Macau is situated within the Lisboa Hotel and the atmosphere here at night is exciting. If you come for the gambling, Macau may seem like paradise. Macau is also a free port, pursuing a low tax policy.
Tourists can completely relax by wandering along the Portuguese-named streets, lingering on the clean beaches or sight seeing among the rows upon rows of European-style buildings. Macau has a little bit of culture for everyone. For historical culture there are amazing churches and museums, and for local culture the beaches, attractions and nightlife are like no other city in the world.
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