At dusk, Ruins of St. Paul’s.
The sunset dyes this four-hundred-year-old church ruin golden. Tourists take photos on the steps, pigeons flying in the square. Beside it, Lover’s Lane, with pink and yellow walls, is couples’ favorite photo spot. Standing before the ruins, imagining the church’s former glory, sighing at history’s vicissitudes.
This is Macau’s most iconic scene.
Macau is a small city full of surprises.
Province Profile#
- Location: Southern China, west side of the Pearl River Estuary
- Best Travel Season: October to following March
- Highlights: East-West fusion, World Heritage, Food Capital, Entertainment City
Must-Visit Attractions#
Ruins of St. Paul’s: Macau’s Landmark#
The Ruins of St. Paul’s is Macau’s most famous attraction, a World Heritage site.
This church was built in 1602, and in 1835 a fire left only this wall. Exquisite stone carvings blend Chinese and Western artistic styles—a witness to Macau’s history.
Lover’s Lane is beside the Ruins of St. Paul’s, with pink and yellow walls—romantic beyond words. Mount Fortress is on the hilltop, where you can overlook Macau’s panorama.
Best Experience: Come to the Ruins of St. Paul’s at dusk, see the ruins in the sunset. At night when lights come on, it has a unique charm.
Macau Historic Centre: World Heritage#
The Macau Historic Centre is China’s oldest existing Western architectural complex, a World Heritage site.
Senado Square is Macau’s central square, with black and white wave-patterned ground, Portuguese-style buildings on both sides. St. Dominic’s Church is Macau’s most beautiful church, Baroque style, bright yellow exterior. Leal Senado Building is a Portuguese-style building with exquisite interior decoration.
Best Experience: Wander through the historic centre, feel four hundred years of East-West fusion.
The Venetian: Oriental Romance#
The Venetian is Macau’s largest integrated resort, themed after Venice.
Grand Canal Shoppes has an artificial sky, canals, and gondola boats—like being in Venice. Take a gondola, listen to the boatman sing Italian songs—romantic beyond words.
Best Experience: Stay overnight at The Venetian, feel the resort’s luxury. Wander the Grand Canal Shoppes at night, see the artificial sky change.
Coloane Island: Macau’s Back Garden#
Coloane Island is Macau’s quietest place, preserving its original appearance.
Lord Stow’s Bakery is the birthplace of Portuguese egg tarts—worth queuing for. Hac Sa Beach is Macau’s only natural beach, with black sand. Seac Pai Van Country Park has pandas.
Best Experience: Ride bicycles on Coloane Island, eat Lord Stow’s egg tarts, feel Macau’s slow life.
Special Experiences#
Macau Cuisine#
Macau is a “UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy,” with rich and diverse cuisine.
Portuguese Egg Tarts are Macau’s calling card, with crispy tart shells and tender custard—sweet and delicious. Lord Stow and Margaret’s Café e Nata are the most famous egg tart shops.
Pork Chop Bun is a Macau specialty, with crispy toasted bread and thick pork chop—one bite, satisfaction guaranteed. Tai Lei Loi Kei is the most famous pork chop bun shop.
Water Crab Porridge, Portuguese Chicken, and African Chicken are Macau specialties—you can eat authentic Portuguese cuisine at Portuguese restaurants.
Casino Experience#
Macau is one of the world’s four great gambling cities, “Oriental Las Vegas.”
The Venetian, The Parisian, City of Dreams, and Wynn Macau are all large casino resorts. Even if you don’t gamble, you can wander inside and feel the luxurious atmosphere.
Macau Tower#
Macau Tower is 338 meters high, Macau’s landmark.
Observation Deck allows you to overlook Macau’s panorama. Skywalk and Bungy Jump are games for the brave—jumping from 233 meters high, thrilling beyond words.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Macau has an international airport, or you can take a boat or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Hong Kong. City buses and taxis are convenient.
- Accommodation: Recommend staying at resorts like The Venetian or The Parisian to experience luxury. Or stay in the old city to feel history.
- Note: Casinos prohibit entry to those under 21. Egg tart shops have long queues—be patient.
Macau’s charm lies in its diversity.
On one side, the four-hundred-year vicissitudes of the Ruins of St. Paul’s; on the other, The Venetian’s modern luxury; on one side, the old city’s earthly vitality; on the other, the casinos’ glitz and glamour.
Come to Macau and feel the charm of East-West fusion.
Tomorrow, we head to Taiwan to see the lake and mountain scenery of Sun Moon Lake and the night market cuisine of Taipei.