Macau is another autonomous region in China, but it is not as well known as Hong Kong, another Chinese special administrative region. Macau is now more accessible than ever to non-Chinese tourists, as it is only 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Hong Kong and is linked to the latter by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB).
This region, with an area of 115.3 km2 and a Portuguese cultural influence, welcomed more than 39.4 million tourists in 2019, which is more than one million more than the population of Canada. It is reasonable to assume that each of those people had a compelling reason for visiting Macau. In the following sections, we will go over the top ten reasons why you should visit Macau this year.
Macau was the last European colony to be established in Asia
The land was leased to Portugal in 1557, and it was returned to China on December 20, 1999, after having been leased to Portugal. That amounts to over 450 years of Portuguese influence on Macau’s cuisine, architecture, language, and culture. The contrasts in this city have captured your attention.
Experience the East and the West at the Same Time
As previously stated, Macau has been under Portuguese rule for approximately 450 years, making the region undeniably a hybrid of both Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Even though Macau is still technically part of China, visitors frequently report feeling as if they are in a different part of Europe. Every sign is written in three languages: Portuguese, Chinese, and, on rare occasions, English.
In the year 2005, the Historic Center of Macau was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. 22 locations have been recognized for their cultural and historical significance. The “Ruins of St. Paul’s,” Macau’s most well-known landmark, were built by Catholic priests; the “A-Ma Temple,” Macau’s oldest and most well-known Chinese temple; and the “Guia Fortress and Lighthouse” are three of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit while in Macau (the first Western-style lighthouse on the China coast).
Macau has the highest gaming revenue in the world
Because of its extensive gambling sector, Macau is one of the top ten richest places in the world, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world and generating a lot of revenue for the local economy. Macau’s government is so prosperous that it annually distributes $670 to its citizens and $1200 to those who live there permanently.
Macau is home to Venetian Macau, the world’s second-largest casino after WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, United States of America. It home to five of the world’s top ten largest casinos, making it one of the world’s most popular gambling destinations. Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, which is one of the reasons why 60 percent of international visitors to Macau are from Mainland China. Other countries also send a large number of tourists to Macau.
Fantastic Beaches
Macau has you covered if you can’t get enough of the sand and surf! Macau has several beautiful beaches, one of which is Hac Sa Beach, which is located on Coloane Island’s southeast coast. In the past, the minerals in the ocean caused the sand at Hac Sa Beach to have a dark tint, but over time and as a result of erosion, the dark sand was gradually replaced by sand with a yellowish hue, brightening the overall tone of the beach.
Macau is a welcoming destination for families with small children
It is not true that only adults are permitted to visit Macau because it is the city with the most casinos in the world. Many hotels are designed with families in mind and do not offer the game. Furthermore, there are so many activities in Macau that your children will never be bored.
Macanese Food
Because Macau has a long history as a global trading center and was ruled by the Portuguese for a significant portion of that time, its cuisine is a fusion of Portuguese, Southern Chinese, and African styles. Their dishes include shellfish, olives, and chorizo, as well as cinnamon, turmeric, coconut milk, and dried cod.
Pasteis de Nata has become synonymous with Macau cuisine (egg tarts). Egg tarts can be found all over the world, but the vast majority of people who have tried them agree that the best version is found in Macau.
Photographing in Paradise
Because of the abundance of beautiful old and new buildings that are situated next to each other, the Asian and European influences that can be seen in the streets, and the beautiful parks and gardens, Macau can serve as an ideal training base for travel photographers or as a playground for those who simply enjoy taking good pictures.
Shopping Paradise
Macau is a shopping paradise, with everything from incredible bargains on local goods to high-end brands not found anywhere else in the world. You might be surprised by this. It is easy to become disoriented in shopping malls after a few hours, during which time you may have one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences of your life.
Hotel Discounts in the Area
Staying in a five-star hotel in Macau is significantly less expensive than in their neighboring city of Hong Kong, particularly during the week. Since you’re going to be here for a while, why not do it in style?
Gain the Knowledge Required to Live a Longer Life
According to the CIA World Factbook, Macau residents have the fourth-longest life expectancy in the world, with an average life expectancy of 84.60 years. There are numerous reasons for this, including the fantastically nutritious food that is traditionally prepared in Macau and the excellent medical care that is available as a direct result of the government of Macau’s investments in social welfare and healthcare programs. People in Macau also exercise frequently.