Macau is a special region and defining it is as complex as it is strange to visit. That's why I've written a different article to talk about Macau from A to Z. I've only left out the letters K, Y and W, which don't appear in the original Portuguese alphabet. From Art to Casinos, from Delta to Pastel de Nata, Macau from A to Z is a summary of what Macau was and still is.
I challenge you to get to know Macau through the letters of the Portuguese alphabet. Shall we?
Macau from A to Z
A Art and Cultural Heritage
Due to the Portuguese presence for hundreds of years - and which still persists - Macau's cultural heritage is still very much present. From the appearance of the streets to the architecture and traditions. From festivities to gastronomy, Portugal is a constant presence in China's least Chinese region. At the Macao Museum of Art, the Cultural Centre or the Science Centre, and all year round, art is extremely vibrant.
B Boom
Macau has experienced a huge economic boost in recent years, with very high growth rates. The liberalisation of gambling and betting has boosted real estate investment and the construction of hotels and casinos. Macau has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, second only to Qatar, and it is estimated that the region will soon overtake the small Persian Gulf country.
C Historic Centre of Macau
The Historic Centre of Macau, made up of several streets and squares, represents the stupendous diversity of the city. Since 2005, Macau's historic centre has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There you can see buildings of different styles, such as the Temple of A-Má or the Mandarin's House, built according to Chinese models.
Macau's historic centre is living proof of the fusion of aesthetic, cultural, architectural and technological influences between East and West. The area also contains the Monte Fortress, the Guia Fortress and Lighthouse, the Leal Senado, as well as churches and chapels that were built according to Portuguese standards.
D Delta
Macau will be included in Guangdong province, forming one of the three metropolitan areas of the Great Pearl River Delta. Meanwhile, Macau remains part of the constitutional principle of "one country, two systems". This principle represents the transitional mode of governance of Hong Kong and Macau since they became regions of China in 1997 and 1999 and will continue until 2049.
E Strangeness
Macau is a strange place at first, when you see the cobbled streets and the Asian-looking policemen wearing PSP uniforms. You'll find Chinese temples and European churches. Taste Chinese, Macanese and Portuguese cuisine without leaving the same street. Macau, you find it strange and then you get into it.
F Strengths and fortresses
There are essentially two types of building left over from the Portuguese presence in Macau: military and religious. Several of these stand out, especially the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Guia, located on a hill with great views of the city.
In addition to these, there is also the Fortress of S. Paulo do Monte (in the centre of the Macau peninsula), the Fortress of Nossa Senhora do Bom Parto and the Fortress of S. Francisco.
Or the Fortress of St James of Barra on the Macau peninsula, which over the years was gradually demolished until it was restored and redeveloped as the Pousada de São Tiago, inaugurated in 1982 and now one of Macau's attractions.
G Gastronomy
It is one of the main attractions for visitors and Macau's cuisine has already been recognised by UNESCO as the world's first fusion cuisine. Macau has been recognised by UNESCO for its 400-year-old culinary legacy and its emerging status as Asia's leading culinary destination.
Macau's gastronomy has been enriched by a variety of influences, such as Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai and even Macanese. The distinctive Macanese cuisine is the result of a delicious fusion of Portuguese, Indian, Chinese and Malaccan flavours and tastes. At the top of the list are the pastéis de nata (custard tarts), the Minchi or the African chicken, for example.
H Hong Kong
The great metropolis and former British colony forms, with Macau, an integral part of the constitutional principle of "one country, two systems". A short bus or ferry ride away, Hong Kong is an excellent place to discover when visiting Macau, or vice versa. Hong Kong and Macau are linked by the past, but they are also ready for a peer-to-peer future.
I Itineraries
There are lots of ways to get to know Macau and there are itineraries to suit all tastes. Using pre-defined itineraries, you can discover almost every corner of Macau. From gastronomic itineraries to walking tours through the old town or to Taipa or Coloane.
J Game
Liberalisation brought an end to tycoon Stanley Ho's 40-year monopoly. Macau is the world's leading gambling centre and the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. The region has overtaken Las Vegas, in the USA, in terms of revenue, for example, reaching 32.796 billion euros in 2018, an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year.
L Languages
As well as being a cultural and gastronomic fusion, Macau is also a linguistic hub, as several languages are spoken in the region, especially the officially recognised ones: Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. However, simplified Mandarin is also widely spoken in the region and there are also English speakers.
M Museums
When you visit Macau, it's essential to visit a few museums. If you don't have much time, I recommend the Macau Museum, near the Ruins of São Paulo. However, there are many more museums to visit in Macau, such as the Maritime Museum or the Grand Prix Museum. The region's culture is very strong and other places to enjoy it include the Macau Wine Museum, the Museum of the History of Taipa and Coloane and the Firemen's Museum, among others.
N Business
Macau is a city of strong contrasts and this also attracts high volumes of business. The city hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. In line with this, with casinos and tourism, general development in the area of hotels, luxury resorts, retail, restaurants and entertainment, has increased greatly.
Macau has been attracting a growing number of business tourism visitors from all over the world. In recent years, the number of hotels has grown steadily, with more than 100 units and almost 40,000 rooms available, the majority of which are 5-star.
O East and West
Macau is the place where East and West meet, but don't clash. The two cultures and peoples live side by side, respecting each other and, above all, absorbing elements that give Macau its special character and where the fusion between Chinese and Portuguese culture and customs is inevitable.
P Pastel & Patacas
In Macau, you can try two types of pastry. The typical pastel de Nata (custard tart), as it is known in Portugal, and the pastel de Ovo (egg tart) (egg tart), which is similar in appearance to the original, but is made using a different recipe that seems to appeal more to Chinese visitors.
However, the real pastel de nata is still Portuguese. And it's much tastier. You can find real pastéis de nata at the Portuguese Bakery, the Ramalhão pastry shop and the French Élysée pastry shop. The "pastel de ovo" can be found everywhere.
Q When
Macau is a place to explore at almost any time of the year, but there are less advisable times. First of all, you should avoid the typhoon season, which usually covers the months of July, August and September. Macau's climate is rainy between April and October, especially in May.
If you want a mild, less humid climate, then book your flight for autumn, between mid-October and December - when you benefit from blue skies and warm weather.
R Ruins
Of the imposing building of the Church of the Mother of God, built between 1602 and 1640, only the façade remains. The ruins of St Paul's are one of Macau's symbols and the city's iconic image. On the steps, every day (and night) locals and visitors spend hours chatting, drinking, relaxing or taking photos. It's a must-see in Macau and only one of the seven reasons to visit Macau.
S Feel
Macau is a special place, even though hundreds of years have passed since the Portuguese arrived in the region. For all that it represents, its appearances, architecture, gastronomy, culture, art, events, symbols and language, it's impossible just to visit Macau. You have to feel Macau.
T Taipa
Macau's Historic Centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, there is more to see in the city. For example, it's unthinkable to pass through Macau and not spend some time on Taipa Island, exploring the neighbourhoods and traditional architecture, as well as sampling good food. I recommend, for example, the restaurant "O Castiço", with excellent food and reasonable prices (for Macau). If you want more refinement (and pay for it), try one of the most popular - António.
U Unesco
In 2005, the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 22 sites were recognised for their cultural and historical significance. These include the Ruins of S. Paulo, the temple of Á-Ma, the Guia Fortress and Lighthouse, the D. Pedro V Theatre and the Mandarin's House, among many others. In addition, UNESCO has recognised Macao for its centuries-old culinary legacy.
V Twenty
2019 was the 20th anniversary of the transition of the Macau region to China. The date is 20 December and this was also one of the reasons why I travelled overland through 17 countries from Europe to Asia, From Portugal to Macau. What will become of Macau after the transition period in 2049 is unknown.
X Shanghai
Chinese food obviously proliferates throughout Macau. One of the regions in the spotlight is Shanghai, especially with the presence of renowned restaurants such as Shanghai 456 at the Venetian Macao. The luxury restaurant presents itself as a modern venue serving traditional cuisine.
Z (Bridge from) Zhuhai
An essential element now in Macau's links to the outside world and a stupendous feat of engineering. The Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge is the longest sea bridge in the world. I made the connection between Macau and Hong Kong via this bridge at the end of my adventure From Portugal to Macau.
It's very easy to buy a ticket and travel by bus for around 45 minutes along the 55 kilometres of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The crossing includes a 6.7 kilometre underwater tunnel. The bus ticket costs 65 patacas (around 7 euros) and can be bought at the border, before and after the border post.
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