Macau is a special administrative region and one of the oldest European settlements in China. It was earlier a part of the Portuguese administration and came under the Chinese sovereignty only in December 1999. Located in the Guangdong province on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta, Macau is one of the most dynamic regions of China. Macau is about 55-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong. Portuguese and Chinese cultures have dominated Macau traditions.
Though Macau is not very large in Area (24 sq kms), it has a wealth of tourist attractions. There are various tourist attractions in Macau that include churches, forts, temples, museums and gardens. Macau tourism has boosted the economy of the country by leaps and bounds. Macau tower is an interesting place for the visitors. One can admire the views from the observation deck or try one of the more adventurous activities such as Skywalk, the thrilling walk around the main outer rim of the tower.
Macau is renowned as the Monte Carlo of the Far East. Tourists may try their luck in the famous Lisboa Casino or the recently built Sands Casino. Macau tourism and gambling are the mainstays of the city’s economy. Macau is the intersection of Mainland China and South China Sea. It is also located at the south of tropic of Cancer. The winds directions in winter and summer are opposite. Therefore, Macau is in the monsoon region and from the climate classification is considered mild and rainy in summer. The favorable period for traveling begins from the middle of October to December.
Macau is an ideal place for gourmands as there are many cuisine served by the city’s restaurants and hotels. It offer a wide range of delicious cuisines from all over the world including unparalleled Macau-style Portuguese cuisine, traditional Cantonese cuisine, exotic food from Italy, France, Brazil, India, Japan, and Korea. No other city has such a concentration of restaurants offering so many different cuisines to suit so many tastes catering to all budgets. The food reflects the Macau city’s multicultural experience and cosmopolitan way of life. Macau has a fine selection of cafes, in Portuguese, Italian and American style. They offer a wide variety of superior blends in a relaxed and friendly milieu.
Macau is a shoppers' paradise and shopping has given a boost to Macau tourism. It’s a place where you can purchase almost anything, and have a wonderful time doing it. Luxury items are cheaper here than in other cities in the region. Foremost among the popular buys are jewelry particularly gold, Chinese antiques, porcelain, brand label clothes and pottery as well as wine, cameras, watches, knit-wear together with a host of electric gadgetry all at free duty prices. The city is a treasure trove of Chinese antiques and collectibles. |
