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Macau is derived from the name of a Chinese goddess, known as A-Má or
Ling Má, and is popular with seafarers and fishermen. When Portuguese
sailors landed and asked the name of the place, the natives replied
A-Ma-Gao (Bay of A Ma). In modern usage, Amagao was shortened to Macau.
Macau is situated southeast of China, on the western bank of the Pearl
River Delta of Guangdong Province. It lies 70 kilometers southwest of
Hong Kong and 145 kilometers from Guangzhou. Today, itis officially a
Chinese territory under Portuguese administration. It has its own
government structure, which is endowed with political and legislative
power and enshrined in the Organic Statue of Macau.
Besides historical colonial relics, the biggest attractions in Macau are
the casinos. Though many forms of gambling are legal there, the most
popular game is Pai Gow, a game played with Chinese dominoes. Gamblers
from Hong Kong often take a one-day excursion to the city.
What To See
 1.
Senate Square (Largo Senado)
Largo Senado or Senate Square is a wave-like pavement that was created
by Portuguese experts in a traditional style found in many parts of
Southern Europe. A fountain designed in the shape of a sphere is the
Square’s main feature, along with a variety of ornamental plants and
benches for those eager to rest their feet. Vehicles are not allowed in
the area, but bicycles and light vehicles are exempted.
 2.
Loyal Senate (Leal Senado)
The Leal Senado was built in 1583, and was the virtual government of
Macau until 1833. At present, the Senate acts as a municipal government,
which is in charge of parks, sanitation, markets, water, and other
everyday necessities.
One of the Senate’s interesting features is the integration of different
fine architectural styles with an elegant whitewashed façade, a stone
staircase, an interior garden, and a spacious foyer. The previously
abandoned foyer now houses an exhibition of a collection of paintings,
sculptures, and photographs. Some of the old offices have also been
transformed into mini art galleries.
The library on the second floor is filled with books, creating one of
the world's best and largest collections of literature - in English - on
China. The preserved works include scholarly tones, travel diaries,
stories of missionaries and soldiers, bound copies of society journals,
and historical romances.
There is also a collection of all newspapers ever published in Macau,
which you can check for all that happened from the day you were born.
The library was constructed in the 1920s following the design of the
library of Coimbra University in Portugal. Its magnificent structure is
dignified and its hallowed halls accented with carved teak paneling and
graceful chandeliers. It is open Mondays to Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m.
 3.
The Cathedral (Sé)
The Cathedral stands on the site of several previous cathedrals. The
original cathedral was then set up in dedication to Our Lady of Hope of
St. Lazarus, which was declared the mother church of the Macau Diocese,
as well as the religious provinces of China, Japan, Korea, and other
islands adjacent to China.
It was rebuilt in 1937 when the original stone structure was destroyed
by a typhoon in 1874. The Cathedral of today is now comprised of two
solid towers and massive doors with exquisite stained-glass windows
inside the monument.
Many major events of the church calendar are focused here, especially on
Easter when there is a solemn parade on Good Friday and special masses
on Easter Sunday. The procession of Our Lord of the Passion is also held
here.
 4.
Lou Lim Ioc Gardens
The Lou Lim Ioc Gardens are a landscaped wonderland of European and
Chinese plants surrounding an ornately arched mansion supported by
majestic columns- take your pick of lotus ponds, pavilions, groves,
grottoes, twisting pathways, ornamental mountains and curiously shaped
doorways to nowhere.
 5.
Kun Iam Temple
Dating from 1627, this is the most interesting and active Buddhist
temple in Macau. Rooms adjacent to the main hall honor the goddess of
mercy with a collection of pictures and scrolls. Some of the reliefs at
the front still carry evidence of damage inflicted by the Red Guards
during the Cultural Revolution.
 6.
Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center
Unsurpassable views of the Pearl River Delta and the city lights by
night are just a few promises the Macau Tower has for its visitors.
Having ascended to the Tower's upper limits in high-speed glass-fronted
lifts, an unforgettable vista awaits you, while a delicious buffet
caters for all tastes at the 360° Café.
Visit beautiful China today!
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