About Macau
The sparkling coastal city of Macau is a colorful mix of Old World colonial style and casino-laden glitz. Located on the mouth of the Pearl River, Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands, Coloane and Taipa. Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and Macau remained a colony until the handover in 1999, making Macau both the first and last European colony in China.
The Portuguese left a distinctively Mediterranean footprint there with ornate churches, cobblestone streets, tantalizing delicacies and even a distinctive Creole language, Patuá, spoken by a handful of “Macanese” citizens. (Cantonese and Portuguese are the official languages). The fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culture provides a zesty ambiance and culture unique to the region.
But the big draw in Macau is the casino culture. As the only region in China (and Hong Kong) that allows gambling, Macau is a haven for high rollers and tourists seeking a Vegas-type experience. The Venetian, the largest single-structure hotel in Asia, is home to a 550,000-square-foot casino floor that is three times the size of its sister-property in Vegas. The Sands Macau is the world’s largest casino with respect to total number of table games. With casino giants like the Sands, the Venetian, the MGM Grand and numerous others, Macau is the world's highest-volume gambling center.
Construction is booming in Macau to accommodate this tourist-driven economy. Almost a quarter of Macau's workforce is employed in either the gambling industry or the restaurant and hotel business.
For the non-gambler, Macau offers a bevy of sightseeing opportunities, including the A-Ma Temple, the Ruins of St. Paul's, Mong-Há Fort and a variety of dining and shopping opportunities.
When Macau was returned to Chinese rule, it became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and, like nearby Hong Kong, Macau benefits from the principle of "one country, two systems." This system means the Central People’s Government is responsible for Macau's defense and foreign affairs. Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, and monetary system.
Macau’s distinctive society, blending East and West, offers something for all travelers to enjoy.