Macau

History

Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. Also known as Ou Mun in Cantonese meaning "trading gate" as it is located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta bordering Guangdong province.

Portugese colonized Macau as they first settled in the 16th century and administered the region until the transfer of sovereignity to the People's Republic of China on December 20, 1999. Being a Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macau would enjoy the benefits of having a "one country, two systems" with full control of their government in domestic affairs, economic policy and internal security. It would remain unchanged until a minimum of 50 years from transfer.

It consists of Macau Peninsula, islands of Taipa and Coloane and the reclaimed area Cotai.

Casinos, apartment buildings, commercial and office establishments sprung like mushrooms in years after the transfer. Macau is also known as the "little Las Vegas" of Asia.


Spots to visit:

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

The cathedral was built in 1602 but destroyed by fire in 1835. Today the only remaining was the southern side of the stone facade.


Guia Chapel

A chapel that is a part of the Guia Fortress. First built in the 19th century.


Senado Square

A paved place from the main road to the Church of St. Dominic with wave-patterned mosaic coloured stones extending to the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral.


Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre

Macau tower is 338 meters high with a panoramic view from the observation deck and revolving restaurant. It is also a site for bungy jumping, Skywalking and other extreme sports the tower has to offer.


The Venetian Macau

Located at the Cotai Strip. This casino-resort-hotel is a replica of the Venetian in Las Vegas with magnificent architecture.


City of Dreams

Also located at the Cotai Strip. Hotel accomodations including Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Dragone Entertainment and the Bubble are the must see shows in the City of Dreams.