The Historic Center of Macau

In July 2005, "The Historic Centre of Macau" was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, recognizing the architectural legacies interwoven in the midst of the original urban fabric of Macau, a witness to successful East-West cultural co-existence. A-Ma Temple is reputedly the place in Macau where the Portuguese first landed, and is the starting point of this historical exploration.

Picture yourself outside A-Ma Temple standing on the Portuguese-style cobbled road. The Temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder-strewn hill connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which a traditional sailing junk was etched over 400 years ago. On other boulders you can see red carved characters invoking the blessings of the gods. Chinese legend says that touching the top of the moon gate up the hill will bring good luck in love.

Opposite the temple lies the Maritime Museum, featuring many aspects of Portuguese and Chinese maritime history covering the period from the Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Century. Several famous Portuguese restaurants are located nearby.

A visit to Macau World Heritage sites will typically include churches, temples, gardens and squares, and offers a real insight into old Macau. Chinese and Portuguese architecture abounds - but have you seen a Moorish building in Macau?

In 1874, the Portuguese built a Moorish Barracks on the slopes of Barra Hill, opposite a demolished barrier, garrisoned by Indian soldiers. The two-storey brick and stone neo-classical structure with exotic Moorish influences now serves as the headquarters of the Macau Maritime Administration.

The Barracks are not open to the public but visitors can tour the verandah where the square and pointed ornaments on the parapet walls resemble mosaics and exude an impressively beautiful and subtle rhythm. The Moorish Barracks used to provide typhoon signals for fishermen many year ago.

To know more about the traditions and way of life of the fishermen in ancient Macau and southern China, it is well worth visiting the nearby Maritime Museum, which displays several types of ship from Portugal and China, plus instruments, and a typical fisherman's dwelling, where the whole family can be seen sharing the work tasks.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

Fountain of Luso

In the distant past, well water was used for cooking and drinking. It can also be found in Lilau Square and inside the Tap Seac Gallery but both are under preservation orders for their historic and cultural significance.

Lilau Square, inhabited by most Portuguese residents in earlier ages, retains traditional Portuguese construction and art deco design. The popular Portuguese phrase "One who drinks from Lilau never forgets Macau" expresses the locals' nostalgic attachment to this interesting Square.

Lilau Square is part of the "Historic Centre of Macau". The square supports two banyan trees over a hundred years old as well as Portuguese residential quarters with a typically Mediterranean atmosphere retaining later art deco influences contrasting strongly with the nearby traditional Chinese architecture of the Mandarin House.

Ten minutes' walk from A-Ma Temple finds the Lilau Square, Mandarin House, a traditional Chinese residential compound home of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying built in 1881, and St. Lawrence's Church, built by the Jesuits in the mid-16th Century.

Inscribed upon the World Heritage List, the Historic Centre of Macau comprises churches, temples, squares, gardens and buildings, of which the Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion are the only traditional Chinese residential buildings.

Situated on Travessa de António da Silva, the Mandarin's House is a traditional 4,000 square metre Chinese-style compound made up of several courtyard houses featuring a mix of Chinese and Western detailing. The Mandarin's House was the residence of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying who promoted major historic changes in China by writing a book here, which can be borrowed from the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library - the first to provide a garden for the leisurely enjoyment of readers.

In addition to its historic value, the Mandarin's House is a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture, and although currently under renovation will be opened to the general public in the near future.

Lilau Square, St. Lawrence's Church, the Moorish Barracks and A-Ma Temple can be found nearby, illustrating Macau's multicultural background in a mix of striking architectural features.

Address: Trav. de António da Silva, No. 10
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

St. Lawrence's Church is also known as Feng Shun Tang or the Hall of the Soothing Winds. In 258 AD, St. Lawrence was sentenced to death by a Roman governor for helping the poor people with communion funding. To commemorate his works, a statue of the saint, with bible and rod in hand, stands solemnly in the church.

St. Lawrence's Church overlooks the southern coast of Macau, and is the place where the families of Portuguese sailors used to gather to pray and await the safe return of their loved ones. Nearby lies the A-Ma Temple, an edifice dedicated to the seafarers goddess from the early 16th Century.

The church is an imposing structure, standing in a garden filled with palm trees and can be approached from the rear or by way of a grand staircase and ornamental gate, to lend a dignified appearance.

A short stroll takes the visitor to Nam Van and Sai Van Lakes, where lovers and friends congregate for Indian, Italian and French cuisine - plus spectacular shows of cascading water and light from the Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays) / 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Saturdays) / Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Address: Rua de São Lourenço
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

*The church of St. Joseph's Seminary will be closed for maintenance from 29th of Jun, 2009.

Established in 1728 and built in 1758, the old Seminary, together with St. Paul's College, was the principal base for the missionary work undertaken in China, Japan and elsewhere in the region. This church, together with the Ruins of St. Paul's, is the only example of baroque architecture in China.

Inside the church, in one of the lateral altars, lies a fragment of bone from the arm of St. Francis Xavier, one of Macau's most precious religious relics and a revered item that formerly resided in the collection of the Church of Mater Dei (Ruins of St. Paul's).

Church Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (entrance from the side of Rua do Seminário)

St. Joseph's Seminary not open to public
Address: Rua do Seminário
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

*Dom Pedro V Theatre is closed for maintenance from 6th of Jul, 2009.

First Western Theatre in China

Dom Pedro V Theatre was built in 1860 and was the first venue in Asia to stage Puccini's iconic "Madame Butterfly". The theatre - built to commemorate King Dom Pedro V of Portugal - features a ballroom, library and snooker room for the entertainment of the glitterati. A public restaurant is attached. The theatre has a large entrance hall with elegant chandelier and sweeping red velvet curtains.

Nearby, you will find the cobble-stoned St. Augustine's Square, a traditional Portuguese-style streetscape surrounded by the World Heritage sites of St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, St. Augustine's Church and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699 First Western Theatre in China Dom Pedro V Theatre was built in 1860 and was the first venue in Asia to stage Puccini's iconic "Madame Butterfly". The theatre - built to commemorate King Dom Pedro V of Portugal - features a ballroom, library and snooker room for the entertainment of the glitterati. A public restaurant is attached. The theatre has a large entrance hall with elegant chandelier and sweeping red velvet curtains.

Nearby, you will find the cobble-stoned St. Augustine's Square, a traditional Portuguese-style streetscape surrounded by the World Heritage sites of St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, St. Augustine's Church and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

The Only Garden Library ?

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, now a subunit of the Macau Central Library was established about 1894. In 1918, Hong Kong businessman Sir Robert Ho Tung bought the building and converted it into a splendid mansion. He died in 1955, bequeathing the building to the Macau Government as a public library. Three years later, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library was officially opened to the public.

The library has a European appeal, and is set amid peaceful gardens. After extensive renovation, a newly-equipped 4-storey building was built beside the old structure to capture the maximum amount of natural light, from which readers can view the buildings of Macau’s Historic Centre nearby. The old building contains many ancient books published in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and an exhibition gallery. The two buildings occupy a gross area of over 30,000 square feet and can seat some 400 people, making it the largest library in Macau.

The library allows readers to eat and talk in special areas; readers can also listen to music and watch movies in the AV room.

In celebration of the 140th Anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is hosting an Exhibition of Publications about Dr. Sun Yatsen, featuring valuable publications and bibliographies of the Father of China.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: Dom Pedro V Theatre Square, No. 3
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2837 7117
http://www.library.gov.mo

Macau's First Church for English Mass

In the 16th Century, churches started to be built in Macau for Christians. On Calçada de Santo Agostinho stands St. Augustine’s Church, a simple, neoclassical church of the period; in fact, clergymen had to cover the open roof whenever it rained.

As Portugal’s first settlement on the China coast in 1557, Macau was expected to be a bastion of the Christian religion as well as a trading post and was honoured as the “City of the Name of God, Macau”. Priests residing in Macau came from Europe and held mass in the Portuguese and English languages. In fact, St. Augustine’s Church was the first church to hold mass in English. Gradually, the Cantonese dialect was introduced for the citizens of Macau.

In the environs of St. Augustine’s Church, you can discover the cobblestoned square of the church set in a traditional Portuguese-style streetscape surrounded by the World Heritage sites of St. Joseph’s Seminary and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. Walk just down the hill, however, and you will find yourself in Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, one of the busiest streets in the territory.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: No. 2, St. Augustine’s Square
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2851 0331

Key to Macau's History

The "Leal Senado" Building - regarded as the most outstanding example of Portuguese architecture in the territory - is located in the heart of Macau, just opposite the UNESCO World Heritage - listed Senado Square, and serves as a municipal chamber today.

A gallery occupies the ground floor and has hosted numerous exhibitions since opening in 1985, including the major Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists every December. The first floor public library has amassed a valuable literary collection spanning the 17th Century to the 1950s, including the "A Abelha da China" newspaper, which, established in 1822, was the first Macau paper and the first foreign language paper to appear in China.

The Leal Senado Building offers two 45-minute guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00pm to 4:35pm that expound upon the architecture and history of this important and historic building.

Address: Av. Almeida Ribeiro No. 163
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 7676

The "Maritime" Squares of Macau

Squares and piazzas all around the world cater to the "Café Society", where visitors and locals can sit at a table and watch the world go by over a cup of coffee, and in Macau there is no shortage of squares, which these days are usually paved in elegant wavy patterns featuring marine creatures, inspired by the tones and materials of Portugal. These attractively paved meeting places can be found in Senado Square, Barra Square, Lilau Square, St. Augustine's Square, St. Dominic's Square, Cathedral Square, Camões Square and the Company of Jesus Square.

One of the most famous venues in Macau, the classically constructed Senado Square should not be missed. Its famous fountain has been renovated several times, and currently a celestial globe as used by pioneering Portuguese seamen can be seen in the middle of the fountain, a captivating sight under lighting at night. The Square is a popular place for holding all sorts of cultural events, especially at this time of year.

Senado Square also boasts a rich architectural tradition - St. Dominic's Church, the Holy House of Mercy, Leal Senado Building and Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple reflect the correlation of modernity and cultural exchange of East and West.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is held on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, and attracts many visitors - especially photographers - to Sam Kai Vui Kun to watch the drunken dragon dance. The Feast of Kuan Tai is held on the thirteenth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, on which occasion performances of Chinese opera are held in a specially constructed bamboo shed outside the temple of Sam Kai Vui Kun.

Sam Kai Vui Kun is also known as Kuan Tai Temple and has been located on the site of the old bazaar near Senado Square and Rua dos Mercadores for over two centuries. Originally, it was a meeting place for merchants, and the surrounding area - Rua dos Mercadores, Rua dos Ervanários and Rua das Estalagens - served as the centre of Chinese trading in the city. In later years, a statue commemorating Kuan Tai was placed at Sam Kai Vui Kun, attracting many devotees. Commercial activities no longer converge in the area, and the serenity of the temple has gradually returned.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

First Charity Association of Macau

Macau is famous for its Grand Prix, Wine, Communications and Tea museums, as well as many others, but it often surprises visitors to learn that Macau also has a museum of charity. The Holy House of Mercy exhibits historical pieces and objects of religious art that pinpoint the meeting of different cultures. Located in a quiet lane just off Senado Square in the centre of the city, the House is often overlooked and mistaken for a government office.

The neo-classical Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa de Misericordia) was the first charity association to be established in Macau, and houses the needy elderly in Our Lady of Mercy Home for the Aged free of charge. Macau's first lottery tickets were also launched by the Holy House of Mercy for charity purposes (you can see original tickets at "A Retrospect in Raffle - Exhibition of Rare and Old Lottery Tickets" in the Taipa Houses Museum until October).

On the second floor of the Holy House of Mercy, you can find the skull, cross and full-length oil painting of Dorn Belchior Carneiro, the founder of the institution, plus a bronze bell from the old St. Raphael Hospital, which was founded by Carneiro in the 16th Century. Various artifacts are on display in the small museum. At the end of the adjoining Alley of Mercy stands a bronze statue of Dorn Belchior Carneiro.

Museum of the Holy House of Mercy
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays & public holidays)
Address: Travessa da Misericordia, No 2
Admission: MOP$5
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2857 3938, 8399 6699

The word "Cathedral" comes from the ancient Greek "Kathedra" or "Seat" in English. In the early years of the church, only the 12 disciples and their descendents could minister the communion by passing the "Seat" from one minister to another.

Situated near Rua de S. Domingos, the Cathedral is located on the top of the nearby paved hill. Here, Midnight Mass is held at Christmas and the Procession of the Passion of Our Lord is enacted every year. Next to the Cathedral stands the timelessly beautiful Bishop's Palace. Although the Cathedral is not the biggest church in Macau, it is certainly one of the grandest.

In 1575, the Catholic church was established in Macau - named the City of the Name of God - and promptly became the centre of Catholicism in Asia. In 1576, the Cathedral was built and many important relics of the 16th & 17th Century are stored here.

The Cathedral square has recently been refurbished, and an imposing fountain added, providing a convenient spot for residents and visitors to relax in comfort. Less than 2 minutes walk from the Cathedral lie the major thoroughfares of Rua de S. Domingos, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Avenida de Praia Grande.

Lou Kau Mansion was built in 1889 as a two-storey traditional gray-brick courtyard house with the architectural characteristics of a typical "Xiguan" or Chinese residential building. The mansion was the home of Lou Va Shio, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties in the city.

Lou Kau Mansion - listed in the Historic Centre of Macau - is located at 7, Travessa da Sé in the centre of the old Christian City and combines the characteristics of Eastern and Western architectural design like gray-brick walls, windows and fences of Chinese design and Western ceiling.

Macau Orchestra has held several mini concerts in the mansion, featuring in particular Cantonese music.

Lou Kau Mansion Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)

Free Admission & Guided Tour
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo

Concerts at St. Dominic's Church

St. Dominic's Church is one of the intriguing performance venues for the yearly held Macau International Music Festival (MIMF) . Despite its dramatic past, St. Dominic's Church now serves as a serene, inviting setting for performances attended over the years by almost half a million music lovers.

St. Dominic's Church has an imposing façade of cream-coloured stone with white stucco mouldings and green-shuttered windows. Inside, white pillars support a flat ceiling and apron balconies hug the walls. The bell tower, at the back of the building, has been converted into a small museum housing a “Treasure of Sacred Art” exhibiting a collection of some 300 artifacts.

Only a magnificent stone façade and grand staircase remain of the iconic Church of St. Paul's. The church was built in 1602 next to the Jesuit College of St. Paul's, the first Western college in Asia where missionaries studied Chinese before serving at the Ming Court in Beijing as astronomers and mathematicians.

In 1835, a fire razed both the college and the church, leaving only the dramatic façade standing in four colonnaded tiers, complete with carvings and statues. The unique architecture of St Paul's Church recalls the style of the European Renaissance and Asian architecture in an intoxicating mix of Chinese and Western elements.

Today, many music performances are held at the Ruins of St. Paul's, which, with its stairs and dramatic setting, lends itself as a natural stage. Within the precincts of Ruins of St. Paul's lies the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. The Museum exhibits religious paintings, statues and sacred objects from Churches in Macau while in the crypt adjacent to the Museum the visitor can observe the relics of martyrs from Japan and Vietnam.

Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Admission free

Integrated Cultures

A combination of Portuguese and Chinese nuances marks the uniqueness of the Macanese. Two temples are dedicated to Na Tcha, one of which is located near the Ruins of St. Paul's.

Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's are both part of the Historic Centre of Macau but reflect profoundly different cultures, a uniqueness that can also be found in the territory's food, religion and other cultural mores.

Na Tcha Temple is a small, simple, peaceful place founded over 400 years ago; it remains of strong historic value and is inseparable from the daily life of Macau's citizens.

Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's stand close enough for a great picture, astonishing proof of integrated cultures.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

A "Section of the old city walls" comprises part of the Historic Centre of Macau - inscribed on the World Heritage list - and was constructed at its oldest point in 1569. During that turbulent period, the Chinese government opposed the construction of city walls and they were broken down a number of times, although the incumbent Portuguese administration continued its construction until 1632 when the city walls and fortresses in the north of the city were reconstructed. A map from that period reveals that other than the Inner Harbour in the west Macau was totally ringed by walls and fortifications. Today, the remaining wall measures just 18.5m long, 5.6m high and roughly 1m wide.

This wall, located near Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's, bears evidence of local artisanship and materials, especially the use of a solid compound named "chunambo", which was an elaborate mixture of clay, soil, sand, rice straw, crushed rocks and oyster shells compacted in successive layers.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo

The First Western Fortress in China

The 17th Century Mount Fortress occupies a hilltop on the peninsula of Macau and is one of the most ancient Western fortresses in China.

Some 300 years ago, during the height of the Ming Dynasty and before the Ruins of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church was severely damaged by fire, the Mount Fortress solemnly guarded the city. In 1998, the three-level Macau Museum was built into the fortress hill and it is now considered a major tourist attraction.

In the foothills east of Monte Fort you will find the Fortress Corridor, occupying the middle ground between Macau Museum and St. Lazarus' pedestrian zone. The Monte Fort is sited near the city centre and is a popular venue for events such as this year's "20th Macau International Music Festival".

Macau Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (No admission after 5:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$15 (Free on 15th of every month)

Fortress Corridor
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Admission free
Convenient access from the rear of Kiang Wu Hospital and Caminho dos Artilheiros
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 7911 / 2833 5141

http://www.icm.gov.mo

The Church of Flowers

St. Anthony's Church is often referred to as Fa Vong Tong (Church of Flowers). In fact, St. Anthony was a "military" saint, a Captain in the Portuguese army and is revered as the Saint of Marriage by Catholics. Consequently, many wedding ceremonies are held in the church, which was constructed during the period of 1558 to 1560, and, with St. Lawrence's Church and the Cathedral, is one of the oldest churches in Macau.

In nearby Camões Garden many residents take exercise every day, and it is here that the statue of Luís de Camões reposes, honouring the most famous Portuguese poet to live in Macau. Beside the garden lies the old Protestant Cemetery, where some of Macau's most famous residents are buried including George Chinnery, whose wonderful China Coast paintings hang in the Museum of Art. Robert Morrison, the Christian preacher who first interpreted the Bible into Chinese, also lies buried here.

Telephone enquiries: (853) 2857 3732

Camões Garden at Camões Square is one of the largest and most secluded parks in Macau. Adjacent to the Casa Garden and the famous Protestant Cemetery, this serene area is frequented by Tai Chi groups, aerobics practitioners and avid people-watchers. Chinese of all ages jog, stretch and stroll through the park from dawn to dusk.

The renowned Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, for whom the park was named, lived in the vicinity and completed his national epic "Os Lusídas" in Macau. As a wealthy Portuguese kept many pigeons near the park, the local people call it White Pigeons' Nest. A small bronze statute of Camões can be found in the park grotto and at the far end of the garden is a fountain with a bronze sculpture entitled "Embrace" signifying the centuries' old friendship between Portugal and China.

Nearby, Casa Garden, a southern European style building built in 1770 was originally the residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant and today serves as the headquarters of the Orient Foundation, a private cultural institution involved in local and regional community and cultural affairs. The Protestant Cemetery abutting the Casa Garden is the final resting place of many famous Westerners including Robert Morrison, who first translated the Bible into Chinese, and the accomplished Irish China-trade artist George Chinnery.

Opening Hours:
Casa Garden: gallery - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays); garden - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Protestant Cemetery: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Please be quiet while visiting)
Camões Garden: 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily

The Guia Fortress - together with the Guia Lighthouse and Guia Chapel - is one of the listed sites of the Historic Centre of Macau. The Lighthouse has stood on the peak of Guia Hill for over 140 years and is the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast and the oldest in the Far East. A lantern is installed on top of the circular observation platform, and the light transmitter is reached by a flight of spiral stairs inside. While access is not usually allowed to the tower, the Macau Port Authority will open it to the public on May 20 & 21. From this viewpoint, the whole of the Peninsula and the Historic Centre of Macau can be seen.

The Guia Chapel was originally established by nuns who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. Frescoes were uncovered inside the Chapel during routine conservation work, depicting representations of both Western and Chinese themes and motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macau's multicultural society. Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are symbols of Macau's maritime, military and missionary past.

Visitors can reach Guia Hill by taxi or by a short cable car ride from the entrance of Flora Garden, on top of which stands not only the Guia Fortress but four underground tunnels that served as air raid shelters and extend in all directions. Opened to the public in 2005, the longest tunnel measures 456 metres while the shortest is 47 metres.

Guia Lighthouse
opens to public on designated days only.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481

Our Lady of Guia Chapel
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699

With the new underground passenger terminal, it is now more convenient for locals to travel to Zhuhai. Passengers at the underground bus terminal can reach the Border Gate Square through the linked escalator, elevator and stair case. 17 bus lines service the bus terminal with clear signboards and indications. Washrooms as well as public phones are also available at the underground bus terminal, while the taxi station is on the ground floor.

Erected in 1870, the European style Border Gate witnesses the development of Macau. The modernized Border Gate Square with fountains at the centre is surrounded by green plants. The blue tiles at the side walls together with the poem of the Portuguese Poet, Camoes depict the history of Macau.

The Border Gate and the Gongbei Checkpoint in Zhuhai open daily from 7:00 a.m. to midnight

A small chapel was first built in the 17th century as part of the Guia Fortress and the present chapel dates from 1637. During the restoration of the chapel in 1996, the oldest vestige of mural paintings that dates back to the construction of the hermitage in 1622 were discovered. The recovered paintings are characterized by rich cultural meaning, a combination of Chinese and Western symbols, including angels wearing traditional oriental costumes.

The Lighthouse was the first on the China Coast, built by a local born Portuguese, Carlos Vicente da Rocha.

On top of the Guia Hill, besides the already well-known structures, the Guia lighthouse, Guia Fort and Our Lady of Guia Chapel, there are also some underground tunnels, which are commonly known as air raid shelters, extending in all directions. The longest tunnel is 456 metres and the shortest 47. In the past the tunnels were off-limits military installations surrounded by barbed wire, equipped with electricity generators, rest rooms and oil tanks.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, except public holidays).
Free Admission.
Enquiry: (853) 8394 3703 / (853) 8988 4000

The Border Gate and the Gongbei Checkpoint in Zhuhai open daily from 7:00 a.m. to midnight

The building is regarded as the most outstanding example of Portuguese architecture in the territory. A public library is located on the first floor and its two inner chambers contain magnificent examples of the institution at Coimbra, in Portugal.

The 3700m2, Senado square is paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of coloured stones, created by Portuguese experts. From the main road to the church of St. Dominic, the pavement extends to the ruins of St. Paul's, making the heart of the city a pedestrian paradise.

Among those buried here: Dr. Robert Morrison, who compiled the first English and Chinese dictionary and translated the Bible into Chinese; George Chinnery, an artist who lived in Macau in the 18th century; Capt. Lord John Spencer Churchill, Commander of H.M. Ship Druid and an ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill; also seamen and non-Portuguese Traders.

Standing in a small park in front of the Royal Hotel, a heroic bust commemorates Vasco da Gama, the Portuguses explorer who discovered the sea route from Europe to India.

Located at the entrance of the Inner Harbour, it is a 40-metre tall monument to honour the Luso-Chinese relations. The monument was completed in 1993.

Spectacular shows of cascading water and light can be seen on Nam Van Lake opposite the Headquarters of the Government of Macau SAR. The fountain, constructed by a Portuguese- Spanish company, was moved from the Reservoir to this new site since March 1999. It is equipped with 86 spouts and lit by 288 coloured spotlights. The tallest water jet reaches 80 meters in height.
Timetable of Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain

Laser Performance
Saturday to Sunday: 20:30-21:00, 21:30-22:00
Additional performances will be held in New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas Holidays etc.

Music Performance
Monday to Friday:13:00-14:00, 18:00-19:00, 20:00-21:00, 21:30-22:00.
Saturday to Sunday:10:00-11:00, 13:00-14:00, 15:00-16:00, 18:00-19:00, 20:00-21:00, 21:30-22:00.

Source: Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau

Contains letters, books and manuscripts pertaining to Portugal's exploration and Macau's relations with Europe, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia from a wide variety of governmental, civic, ecclesiastic and private sources. The most valuable have been put on microfilm, including 7500 items dating from 1587 to 1786.

The archives are houses in one of the mansions in colonial style in Avenida de Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida restored by the Macau Government which won the Pacific Area Travel Association's Heritage Award, in 1982.

There are two Four Faces Buddha in Macau: one at the end of the car park of the Macau Jockey Club on Taipa Island; and the other at the International Centre close to the wharf which is a very interesting monument in an ornate Thai Style.

Soaring 338 metres above the city, the Macau Tower is the 10th highest freestanding tower in the world and the 8th tallest in Asia. It stands taller than Auckland's Sky Tower, Paris' Eiffel and Sydney's AMP Tower. The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre (MTCEC) fronts onto the Pearl River and the Nam Van Lake development. MTCEC is just 5 minutes from the Macau Ferry Terminal and 15 minutes away from the border crossing to Zhuhai, China and the Macau International Airport.

The Tower
Height of Tower: 338 metres
Main Observation Level: 223 metres
Observation Reach: 55 km
Total Weight: 34,000 tones
Developed by: Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau, S.A.R.L. (STDM)
Public Levels: 4 levels including, A double-height Main Observation Level (including 2 glass floor areas)
A Tower Restaurant (revolving restaurant)
An Outdoor Observation Deck
Elevators: 3 glass-fronted lifts, with a capacity of taking 30 people each at an average speed of 45 seconds to reach the Main Observation Level

The Tower dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Macau cityscape, China, the Pearl River and even some islands of Hong Kong on a clear day.

The Tower Pod anchoring at 223m above ground houses four public accessed levels, starting from the double-height Main Observation Level with a cafe, a Tower Restaurant seating 250 persons which takes 60 minutes to make one revolution, and an Outdoor Observation Deck where visitors can enjoy the fresh air at a height of 233 m above ground level.

Entry to the Tower is underground and is accessed via escalators within the Convention & Entertainment Centre. Visitors are guided through a shopping area — featuring a unique marble floor that depicts an abstract interpretation of the Pearl River Delta— and are further led to the Tower ticket and reception area.

The development will become the latest tourist spot, and will play an important part of STDM's vision of bringing additional visitors to Macau.

Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre Website

Source: STDM S.A.R.L.

Located on the Outer Harbour, this statue, dedicated to Goddess of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy) is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. The dome shape base like a lotus flower, is an ecumenical centre where information is available on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Souvenirs and Cultural Institute publications are available for sale.

Opening hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Fridays. Opened on public holidays.

Free admission

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Situated near the Pousada de Sao Tiago on Rua de Sao Tiago da Barra, this monument is a piece of art that illustrates some of Macau's features while also capturing cultural characteristics of the Macanese society. It was established to commemorate the Macau 2001 New Millenium Meeting of the Macanese Communities.

A gift from the overseas Macanese, the Monument to the Macanese Diaspora was inaugurated on December 4th, 2001. It is composed of signature indications of Macau, including a model of the A-Ma Temple representing the traditional Chinese culture, a bronze globe referring to the Portuguese Discoveries and a sculpture of a lotus flower symbolizing Macau.

Standing in Lotus Square next to the Forum, the large sculpture of "Lotus Flower In Full Bloom" presented by the State Council of China in 1999, marks the return of sovereignty of Macau.

The sculpture, made of gilded bronze and weights 6.5 tons, is 6 meters high and the diameter of the flower is 3.6 meters at maximum. The major part is composed of a stem, petals and pistil, with a total of 16 components. The base of the flower consists of 23 pieces of red granite.

The lotus flower, which is in full bloom, symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macau. There are three layers of red granite at the base, which are in the shape of lotus leaves, signifying the Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island.

Cultural Club is housed in an authentic old pawnshop (a valuable historic & cultural heritage) on San Ma Lo in the center of Macau. The booming business of the old pawnshop is no longer existing, it is only the large warehouse, high counters and thick iron windows as well as the colorful pawning trademark which are still recording and witness the prosperity and slump in the old city districts.

In order to incorporate with the Macau cultural restorations, to disseminate the traditional business, to promote quality of life, to excel tourism products and to revitalize the economic vitality of Macau, the Cultural Club was form. This is based on the concepts of stretching the artistic and cultural services.

The old pawnshop consists of 3 stories except the adjoining tower. The renovated building comprises museum space on the tower and the ground floor that is managed by the Macau SAR Cultural Institute, and the remaining area by Cultural Club.

Also housed in the same building as the Pawnshop Museum:

Pastry Gallery - Macau specialties such as cookies and other souvenirs on sale (ground floor)
Arts Plaza - souvenirs, postcards,and traditional fine arts, clothing and accessories on sale (first floor)
Jin Yong Library - a library and meeting area where fans of novelist Jin Yong can discuss his works and exchange ideas (first floor)
Water Teahouse - a comfortable resting place for visitors (second floor)
Cultural Exhibition Hall - Paintings and other examples of fine and folk arts are exhibited here, and traditional craftsmen hold demonstrations (second floor)

Opening Hours: 10:30 to 20:00 Monday to Sunday

Source: The Cultural Club

Cultural Club Website

The Sai Van Bridge was officially inaugurated on December 19, 2004. The 560 million-pataca 2,200-meter bridge links Macau with Taipa and also with Cotai, the site of several soon-to-be completed new casinos, hotels and resorts, making a smooth link between the southwestern end of Macau and the northwest coast of Taipa, and easing traffic flow.

The cable-stayed bridges have been built in many other parts of the world, but the two-deck design for Macau may well be unique. The enclosed second deck fulfilled one of the fundamental criteria for Macau’s third bridge, which was that it, unlike the two existing bridges, could be used safely during typhoons. The lower deck is designed to make the bridge a dual-purpose structure that can accommodate a future light rail system. The Sai Van Bridge is also strategically placed to interface smoothly with a proposed future mainland light rail link to Guangzhou.

Monte Fort Corridor is located at the foot of Monte Fort hill and is accessible by passing through Travessa dos Artilheiros above Estrada do Repouso. With European and modern appearance, the well-located Monte Fort Corridor is ten metres high and is equipped with elevators and natural lighting. As a linkage to St. Lazarus’ Church, Monte Fort, and Macao Museum, the Monte Fort Corridor offers a convenient way for residents and visitors to reach Monte Fort.

A “Macao Heritage Tour” exhibition, with Macao historical and cultural tours as its theme, is on display at the Monte Fort Corridor with photos and explanations on scenic spots including A-Ma Temple, Na Tcha Temple, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Augustine’s Theatre and Monte Fort.

Monte Fort is opened from 7am to 7pm, entrance is free.

Source:Cultural Affairs Bureau

The Lou Kao Mansion was one of the residences of the wealthy Lou Wa Sio family and, according to the date written on a poem on the eaves of the courtyard to the left of the entrance, it was built in the 15th year of the reign of Qing Dynasty emperor Guang Xu (1889). Constructed in grey brick, the two-storey xiguan-style building is on of the best-preserved traditional Chinese house in Macao. Like many other xiguan houses, Lou Kao Mansion has detailed decorations such as brick relief, plaster ornamentation, decorative lattice carvings and mother-of-pearl windows, perforated ceilings to facilitate ventilation, iron railings, reflecting a combination of Chinese and Western architecture.

Opening Days: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (closes on the days when Macau Chinese Orchestra has performances).
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
Free Admission
Address: No. 7, Travessa da Sé (near the Cathedral)
Tel: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo
Source: Cultural Affairs Bureau

The bronze statue of Xian Xinghai is located at the junction of Avenida Xian Xing Hai and Rua de Berlim.

Born in Macau, Xian Xinghai is regarded as the Chinese people's musician and the herald of modern Chinese music. The prolific musician composed many stunning agitato pieces, of which his Yellow River Cantata is one of the best-known. The bold and lively Yellow River Cantata is a paean expression of the firm and unyielding spirit of the Chinese to defend the homeland.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries Taipa consisted of two hilly islands and a protected harbour which provided an anchorage for clipper ships and Indiamen engaged in trade with China. Smaller vessels would transship the cargoes of muslin, manufactured goods and opium up the Pearl River to Canton and return with tea, silk, and porcelain for export around the world. Taipa is now once again an international gateway with the opening of the Macau International Airport.

Situated close to the bridge, this is the largest temple on the islands and still growing. New buildings with yellow-tiled roofs, vividly painted carved wooden eaves and ornate balconies stand overlooking older prayer halls, gardens with statues, carp ponds and classical pavilion as well as vegetable plots which, supply the kitchens of the vegetarian restaurant.

For enquiries: (853) 2881 1007

Chinese shophouses, Portuguese-style offices, small temples and a former firecracker factory share the narrow streets and alleys of this busy, colourful village. Hanging flower baskets and old-fashioned street lamps make it an appealing place to stroll, and the numerous restaurants along the Rua da Cunha (known as Food Street) are popular destinations for Portuguese, Macanese, Chinese, or Italian cuisine.

On a hill to the east of the village looking towards the causeway and Coloane Island is Our Lady of Carmel, a neo-classical church built in 1885. Paths wind down from the church square through the hillside Carmel Gardens to the Avenida da Praia, a tree-lined pedestrian area which harks back to the early days of the 20th century. Five restored Mediterranean style residences of the 1920′ s look out on the former anchorage of China trade clipper ships, and one of the buildings, the Macanese House Museum, contains period furnishings of Chinese and European styles and mementoes of Macanese life at the time. Taipa Praia is one of the best places to catch a cooling breeze in summer, and an ornate kiosk with cafe tables provides refreshments

Located across the street from the ParknShop supermarket in the centre of Taipa′ s high-rise residential area, this walled garden is a modern interpretation of the classical Chinese garden, with traditional lotus ponds, winding bridges, and small pavilions, but it also incorporates a children′ s playground and a skating and scooter area.

Offers degrees in Arts, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, and Law. The strikingly modern campus occupies a small hill on the north side of Taipa Island, facing the Outer Harbour of Macau. At the main entrance to the university is the Administration Building, where an information desk is located. Behind the Administration Building is a long stone stairway (and escalator) leading to the central quadrangle formed by the Tai Fung Building and three other classroom buildings. It is worth a visit to see the Nine Dragon Wall at the top of the stairs, the central gardens, and the views from various parts of the campus. Other buildings include the Student Union Building and canteen, the Sports Complex, staff and student residences, and the new International Library with its stylish Library Café, which is open to the public.

Macau University of Science and Technology is committed to providing quality higher education to serve the needs of the Asia-Pacific region, and is determined to develop itself into an international academic institution.

In its initial phase, MUST has established four faculties: Faculty of Information Technology, Faculty of Management and Administration, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Chinese Medicine.

The university campus is beautifully constructed with many spacious and bright classrooms. A state-of-the-art computer network, including wireless access to the internet, connects the whole campus, and LCD monitors are a standard feature. Using advanced optical fiber technology, the computer network and the digital IP telephone network are interlinked to provide efficient communication services. The University has invested strongly in advanced technologies to support teaching/learning processes, so as to ensure high quality education.

Weekend afternoon and mid-week might meetings are held on this modern, flood-it grass track, while punters can watch from the well-appointed, air-conditioned grandstand, containing restaurants and state-of-the-art computerized betting equipment. Horses are from Australia, Ireland and America, as do many of the trainers and jockeys. For more information, please visit website of Macau Jockey Club or call Macau (853) 2882 0868, HK Toll free 800967822.

Opened in early 1997 next to the Raceway, this sports arena has seats for 15,000. It has two playing fields for soccer, hockey, and track and field, plus two gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. The stadium is used for local and international sports events, gala occasions, and pop concerts.

Taipa Island′ s two highest hills, Taipa Grande and Taipa Pequena, are circled by nature trails which provide panoramic views of the entire Macau area. The Taipa Grande trail is reached by way of a short paved road off the Estrada Colonel Nicolau de Mesquita, near the United Chinese Cemetery. Adjacent to the trail on the east side of Taipa Grande, near the airport, is the Taipa Grande Nature Park. The Taipa Pequena trail can be accessed from the Estrada Lou Lim Ieoc, behind the Regency Hotel. Bicycles for touring the islands are available from a rental kiosk near the bus stop adjacent to Museum of Taipa and Coloane History in Taipa Village.

When Macau was the center of trade between China and the West, the island of Coloane, with its deserted coves, rugged cliffs, large sea caves, and densely forested hills, proved a convenient base for pirates who preyed on the rich cargoes. Today its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions make it a pleasurable retreat.

The heart of Coloane Village is the central square where the bus stop is located as well as several restaurants and the popular Lord Stow′ s Bakery. The village itself stretches north to the junk-building yards and the old ferry pier, and south along the waterfront promenade to the Tam Kung temple, dedicated to the Taoist God of Seafarers. Halfway along the waterfront is the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and its picturesque Portuguese-style square, with busy cafes under the shelter of the arcades.

Situated in the wooded hills on the west side of the island, not far from the causeway to Taipa, this park is a popular place for family outings. There are children′ s playgrounds, picnic areas, flowerbeds, a small zoo, and a large walk-in aviary which is home to peacocks, pheasants, and other colorful species. There is also a garden of native medicinal plants and the small but attractive Museum of Nature and Agriculture.

This park, high on Coloane Peak (170m), is reached by the Estrada do Alto de Coloane which begins just south of Seac Pai Van Park. The road leads first to the parking area for the newly-developed Recreational Fishing Zone, the Arboretum (which features more than 100 species of local and exotic trees), and the main access to the Coloane Hiking Trail. It continues on to the top of the Peak where there is another car park, the new Alto de Coloane picnic area, and the statue of the Goddess A-Ma. Visible from far out in the South China Sea, with a height of 19.99 metres (commemorating the year Macau once again became part of China), the statue crowns Coloane Peak. A-Ma is venerated by fishermen and sailors and therefore has always had a special significance in Macau.

Coloane Island boasts an extensive network of well-maintained hiking and fitness trails. Trail maps are available at the information booth at the entrance to Seac Pai Van Park and at the trailheads. The trails are accessible from Seac Pai Van Park, from the various roadside picnic parks on the island, and from both Cheoc Van and Hac Sa beaches. It is also possible to join the main Coloane Trail, which circles the island at a height of about 100 metres above sea level, from various points on Coloane Peak. The main trailhead is on the Estrada do Alto de Coloane, near the Recreational Fishing Zone.

The equestrian school of Macau is situated on the second street on the left of the exit of the Coloane Town through the street to the Cheoc Van beach. Look for the gate decorated with horse's heads.

The track is located on the reclaimed land area opposite Seac Pai Van Park. It has floodlights, a choice of seven different circuits, and paddocks for more than 200 karts. You can visit Entertainment for more details.

Both Cheoc Van Beach and Hác-Sá Beach are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. The water is clean although it often appears brown because of silt from the Pearl River. Cheoc Van Beach occupies a sheltered cove on the west side of Coloane Island. At one end is a sandy swimming beach with changing facilities and a snack bar, and at the other is a free-form swimming pool. The Nautical Club, a marina where members keep various types of recreational watercraft, is near the beach. There is also a youth hostel, a pousada (inn), and two restaurants with terraces overlooking the water.

Beyond Cheoc Van is Hác-Sá Beach, where the long beach, with its unique black-tinged sand ("hac sa" means "black sand") invites walking by the sea. Along the beach are a youth hostel, the Youth Centre for Water Sports, and a sports complex with an Olympic-size swimming pool, children's pool, tennis courts, and a sports field. There are also playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, and a variety of snack stands, cafes, and restaurants.

At the Hác-Sá Reservoir, behind the Hác-Sá Picnic Park on the main road above the beach, the new Water Activities Centre offers pedal boat rentals, a refreshment pavilion, and a fitness circuit which runs through the wooded area around the reservoir. A long swinging bridge provides pedestrian access from the parking area. For more information, please contact (853) 8988 4118.

For golf enthusiasts, the Macau Golf and Country Club is located on a hill beyond the end of Hác Sá beach. Please call (853) 2887 1188 for more information.

Among other things, Macau is famous for its cuisine and for the quality of the food served by the territory's restaurants and hotels. It is hard to find another city with such a concentration of restaurants offering so many different cuisines to suit so many tastes at all kinds of budget. In fact food has always played a major part in Macau society and is a good reflection of the community's long multicultural experience and present cosmopolitan way of life.

First of all Macau has a fine selection of coffee shops, in Portuguese, Italian and American style (especially around Travessa de S. Domingos and Rua Pedro José Lobo, in the city centre, and Rua de Nagasaki). They offer a wide variety of superior blends in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They all also sell delicious pastries -- not to be missed are Macau's version of the traditional Portuguese egg tart, or pastel de nata, and coconut cake. Also available are soft drinks, juices and cocktails.

You can find good Portuguese restaurants close to the A-Ma Temple along Rua do Almirante Sérgio, in the city centre on Rua Central and Travessa de S.Domingos, and in the NAPE area near the Kun Iam Statue. On the islands there are many excellent Portuguese restaurants: on Rua do Cunha and Rua Fernando Mendes (in Taipa) and on Hac-Sa beach and Coloane Village.

For a soup we suggest you to try Caldo Verde (green vegetable soup) and for starters ameijoas (clams) together with chouriço (Portuguese sausage) and olives. Cozido à Portuguesa is also very popular. Carne de Porco à Alentejana (from the Alentejo province of Portugal) and sardines (sardinhas assadas are especially tasty during summer time) all evoke images of Portugal. In addition all these restaurants serve Portugal's beloved bacalhau (codfish). There are literally hundreds of ways of cooking the codfish. Try Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (prepared with egg and onions), Bacalhau com Natas (with cream) or Bacalhau Assado (grilled). Be sure to order wine because in Macau it's very affordable and of excellent quality. Dão, Borba and Ribatejo are popular red wines and João Pires for white.And to drink with seafood don't miss the tasty green wine (vinho verde) from Minho in the North of Portugal. For dessert try delicious serradura or any of the convent sweets; barrigas de freira, papos de anjo, toucinho do céu, doce de ovos, etc. (These traditional Portuguese desserts were initially created in convents with rich ingredients from all over the world).

As is to be expected, Chinese cuisine is of excellent quality in Macau. Restaurants are found in every part of the city and on the islands. Most serve Cantonese food but some specialize. So, for seafood we suggest you to go to Rua do Almirante Sérgio and Rua das Lorchas along the Inner Harbour where the morning's catch is served in restaurants that often have outdoor and indoor dining sections. If you're in Macau during the winter time try Ta Pin Nou, a Chinese version of fondu with a huge variety of different seafood, meats and vegetables that are boiled in a tureen on the clients' table. For general Cantonese food try the NAPE area, and city centre (Avenida da Praia Grande, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, etc.).

Chinese menus are long and varied, but include all the favourites: sharks' fin soup, sweet and sour pork, fried chicken, meat with vegetables, steamed fish, beancurd or tofu prepared in several ways, Peking duck and Beggar's Chicken. Try different kinds of noodles, which are called "fitas" in Macau, and rice. For more exotic dishes take a look and maybe try the restaurants in Rua da Felicidade (parallel to the main street Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro) where snakes, frogs, eels, seafood and fish -- many of them alive -- are on display in tanks in the windows.

In Africa and India the Portuguese learned how to use spices with the result that Macau’s most popular dishes include African and Goan’s chicken and piquant prawns, all baked or grilled with peppers and chilies.

Some ingredients such as Portuguese sausage and sardines are imported but most foodstuffs come from the fertile Pearl River Delta and Bountiful water of the South China Sea. Local produce includes quail, pigeon, duck, fresh vegetables, the famous Macau sole, African chicken and enormous juicy prawns.

The combination of Portuguese, Indian and even Malay and Chinese cuisines make up the unique Macanese cuisine which cannot be found elsewhere in the world.

In contrast are the restaurants serving Dim Sum, a favourite of all foreigners and one of Southern China's great gifts to dining. It is a meal which is served from dawn in many big and small Chinese restaurants and it lasts till about midday. This is an opportunity for friends and family to get together around the table to chat as well as eat, which is why it is often called simply "Yam Tcha" (which means literally "drink tea"). Here only small amounts of food are served, in small round bamboo baskets or in porcelain plates, which are circulated around the restaurant in trolleys. If you want to order all you have to do is to stop the trolley and choose. Part of the fun of this the meal lies in the variety of smells, tastes, sizes and ways of cooking. Here are the names of some Dim Sum favourites: Há Kau (steamed dumplings filled with shrimp), Shiu Mai (steamed dumplings stuffed with pork and shrimp), Tsun Guen (shrimp fried rolls, stuffed with pork, chicken, mushrooms, bamboo sprouts and beans), Char Siu Pau (steamed buns stuffed with pork), Ngau Iók (little beef balls seasoned with ginger), Tchau min (fried noodles) and Tchau fan ( fried rice).

Dim Sum is accompanied by tea, usually jasmin tea (Heong pin t'chá) or red tea (Pou lei).

Over the centuries Macau developed a unique cuisine that combined elements of Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, and even Malay cooking. Known as Macanese cuisine, it is served in restaurants along Rua Almirante Sérgio, on the Praia Grande, in the NAPE and on Taipa. Among the most popular dishes are African Chicken (grilled in piri piri peppers), Tacho (a hearty stew of Chinese vegetables and different meats), Galinha Portuguesa (Chicken cooked in the oven together with potatoes, onions, egg and saffron), Minchi (minced beef with fried potatoes, soy, onions and a fried egg), Linguado Macau (Macau sole fried and usually served with green salad) and Porco balichão (Balichão' pork). And for dessert try Jagra de ovos (sweet egg tart).

Food from other parts of the world is, of course, readily available in Macau and you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants serving Italian, French, American, Brazilian, Japanese, Korean and Mozambique cuisine as well as dishes from Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.