Welcome to Macau
Macau has a rich heritage from both its Chinese and Portuguese past that includes many outstanding examples of western and oriental art and culture. Here you will find Chinese temples, catholic churches; ancient forts and other historical relics within a modern environment that bear testimony to a cultural blend of east and west.Macau PeninsularMacau comprises the Macau Peninsular and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Popular sightseeing places that form part of a traveler's itinerary are spread all over the Macau Peninsular.The Central PartAvenida de Almeida Ribeiro, a main downtown thoroughfare in the southwestern part of the city, is called San Ma Lo (New Street) in Chinese by its residents. It stretches from Avenida da Praia Grande to the Inner Harbour, a distance of less than a mile. With the main square, Largo do Senado and several affiliated streets, this area is the most popular shopping and tourist part of the city.
This splendid square, Largo do Senado, with its wave-patterned pavement and central fountain is a highlight of the area. The surrounding simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings house many international branded clothes shops and restaurants. An exploration of the narrow alleyways that radiate from the square will open up to the visitor yet more fantastic places including curio markets, pharmacies, snack stalls and jewelry shops selling dazzling items.
The Eastern Part
In the eastern part of the city is Guia Hill, the highest point of Macau on which is perched Guia Fort and Guia Lighthouse. The Guia Fort built in 1637 is the second largest in the city and the Lighthouse was the first of its kind in the China's coastal area built in 1865. This highland offers a panoramic view of the city and seascapes. A promenade around the hill is an ideal place for relaxation and exercise popular with older residents and leads to Flora Garden. A cable car trail is also available for those who do not wish to walk.Two blocks southwest of the Flora Garden is a memorial hall dedicated to Dr. Sun Yet-sen. The memorial hall was built by family members of Dr. Sun and the exhibits include a collection of documents, pictures and other historical records of this great man. Proceed a further two blocks to the south and turn right and you will find the entrance to Lou Lim Iok Garden, a famous garden that has been created in the style for which Suzhou is noted.
Taipa
Taipa, connected to the Macau Peninsular by the Macau-Taipa Bridge and Friendship Bridge, is where Macau International Airport is located. The largest casino venue in the city - Macau Jockey Club's horse racing - is the most exciting thing for Macauese. Five-star hotels offer luxurious amenities and extravagant casinos to gamblers. University of Macau is also located on this island.A must for travelers is the Taipa Houses Museum. The 'museum' is actually a collection of Portuguese houses featuring both Portuguese and Chinese furniture. It provides tourists with an opportunity to learn about the fashionable lifestyle of Portuguese celebrities. Exhibitions of folk clothing, handcrafts and vicissitude of the Portuguese colonialists are presented here.
