Trip to Macao, tourist guide
On the southern coast of China we find the small region of Macao, located only 75 kilometers west of Hong Kong . Founded in the mid-16th century, it was the first western colony in China. Many surely know her for being chosen among Christian missionaries to spread Christianity through the Far East. Although for others it is the Vegas of China , because of the large number of casinos it has. It is the only place in China where the game is legalized.
With the founding of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century, Macao loses prominence in the commercial sphere, although it has never neglected its picturesque beauty, where a Chinese and Portuguese architecture is mixed. Precisely Macao was a Portuguese colony until, in 1999, it returned to Chinese hands.
During our visit to Macao we can contemplate colonial buildings, historical monuments and an environment that, if not for its inhabitants and some of its customs, would not differ much from any Portuguese city. Macao also has the islands of Taipa and Coloane, linked to land by two bridges. Both give a very tourist character to the region.
VISITS IN MACAO
- Largo do Senado Square
The center of Macao is a very lively place (not in vain since 2005 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and getting lost in its streets is a must-see. The heart of this enclave is the Plaza del Largo do Senado, which we could perfectly find in any corner of southern Europe. Its colorful buildings, with such elegant architecture, the central fountain and the floor in the form of waves are some of its main attractions.
- The Loyal Senate
This building can be found in the previous square, at one of its ends, and possibly one of the most beautiful of all those in Macao. Its facade was completed in 1876, although the building dates from 1784, and was the seat of the Macau Government during the time it was a Portuguese colony. Today it is the headquarters of the Institute of Civic and Municipal Affairs.
- St. Paul's Church
A few minutes from the Plaza del Largo do Senado is this church, the most important historical building in the city. In its time it was considered the largest Christian church in Asia. Built in the 17th century, today only its main facade is preserved, due to the numerous fires and other attacks it has had to suffer. Of course, being on a promontory and on the top of a staircase, the view is at least very impressive.
- Macau Tower
From the facade of the Church of San Pablo, this 338-meter-high tower, the highest point in the city, can be seen perfectly. Without going any further to about 220 meters there is a viewpoint to which we must climb to contemplate the best view of Macau. Tour guides say that, on a clear day, from the viewpoint of the tower you can see up to 55 kilometers away.
- Fortaleza do Monte
Next to the Macau Tower is this fortress, built in the seventeenth century in order to defend the city's Jesuit possessions. It has always been the military center of the region and is part of the World Heritage Site in which the center of Macao has been included since 2005. Inside is the Macau Museum, where we can learn a little more about The history of the region.
- Macau Protestant Cemetery
This cemetery was created in 1821, by order of the English Company of the Indies. In Macao at that time only Christians could be buried, hence the construction of such a cemetery was needed. Here different personalities, English merchants, sailors, etc. stand out ... The curiosity is that in many tombstones you can still read the last wishes of those who lie in the graves.
- Islands of Taipa and Coloane
Two suspension bridges link Macao with the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The exuberant nature predominates in both, with small rural towns of Portuguese environment scattered around them. Coloane is possibly more touristy, since it has hotels, beaches and other resorts. If you want to stop by here I recommend the town of Taipa Village and the beaches of Hac Sa and Cheoc Van.
EXCURSIONS FROM MACAO
The main excursion that can be done from Macau is Hong Kong, just 75 kilometers east. It is best to go by ferry to enjoy the picturesque views of the bay and the skyscrapers of the city. In front of Hong Kong is Lamma Island, which has a magnificent landscape and great beaches. Also next to Hong Kong we have the town of Shek O, which they say has the best beaches in Hong Kong. The islands of Taipa and Coloane, much closer are other excursions you can do.
WEATHER
Macau's climate is tropical monsoon type, characterized by being mild and very rainy. In summer it is very hot, around 32 degrees (but with humidity the thermal sensation is much higher) and it rains a lot, while winter is cold, although it is rare that it drops below five degrees, and it does not usually rain . July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. Spring and autumn are barely appreciated.
PURCHASES
There are many tourists and locals from Hong Kong who travel to Macao for shopping, because here the products tend to be much cheaper. Especially electronic items, in addition to the typical Chinese porcelain and everything related to silk. The center is full of shops, especially the streets surrounding the Senate Square. There you will find traditional products, and on the periphery of the large shopping centers.
GASTRONOMY
The exotic and Portuguese cuisine is the one that predominates in Macao. That is why it is not surprising that cod, in its different varieties, is one of the star dishes. Other known dishes are green broth with clams, Portuguese stew or African chicken with prawns, peppers and spices. Chinese food also participates in Macau restaurants, with pasta, noodles, roast duck, fried chicken, vegetables, rice, etc ... To drink in Macao there are very good white and red wines.
NIGHT LIFE
Macau night has been carried away by the numerous presence of casinos. To go to bars and pubs we have to go to Sun Yat Sen Avenue, where we will find local of all kinds, both national and international. Nightclubs is not something you like very much in Macau, so if you want to go to some of the best they are usually in four or five star hotels. The restaurants and pubs of the island of Taipa are other options that we suggest you to spend the night.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses, ferries, rickshaws and taxis make up the Macao public transport system, so it is not difficult to move around the city. Buses link all points of Macau, and even take you to Taipa and Coloane. Another option is taxis, ideal for the night, when there are no buses, and very cheap, so it can be the best system to get around the city. There is no lack of traditional rickshaws, the taxi bicycles we are used to watching on television, a more tourist than practical method.
HOW TO GET
Macao has an International Airport, located about three kilometers from the city. There are buses that take you to Macau in no time. Another option is to fly to Hong Kong and from there go by train, car or even ferry to Macau. The city is also perfectly connected by land, sea and air with other parts of China.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN MACAO
As a tourist city, Macao has numerous hotels, both top-notch and more affordable. If you want to reserve a room you can do it through the following link: Hotels in Macao.