The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) is a part of China’s territory. It is located on the Southeast coast of China to the west of the Pearl River Delta. It comprised of the Macau Peninsula, the islands of Taipa and Coloane and the reclaimed area COTAI. Two bridges connect Macau to Taipa. The longest one (Friendship Bridge) leads directly to Macau International Airport located on the Island of Taipa. The islands are connected by a causeway. Bordering on Guangdong Province, it locates 60km from Hong Kong and 145km from the city of Guangzhou. Local time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Macau has a population of about 450,000, yet this small city plays host to more than 10 million visitors each year. Since tourism is the backbone of Macau’s economy, the government of the MSAR clearly regard the gaming and tourist industries as the “head” and the service industry as the “body”, with other industries developing in parallel.

Rich Tourism Resources

Macau enjoys rich tourism resources with its centuries-old tradition as a meeting point of cultures and the unique existence of gaming entertainment.

Macau has been dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of the Orient’ since gaming has long been an important part of the tourism industry. Tourists are the main customers for the many casinos located in peninsula Macau and the two islands.

The MSAR liberalized the gaming industry in 2001 and granted concessions to three gaming operators experienced in different modes of gaming and entertainment operations, thus diversifying the industry, making it a truly delightful part of Macau’s tourism experience.

Mixed-Culture Charm
Despite being a small city, Macau has been one of the most important hubs for Eastern and Western cultures for the last four centuries, making the Macau of today a unique heritage of cultural merge, reflected in its architectures, religious rituals, customs and cuisines.

Macau’s famous historical architectures -- landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul Church, Fortress Hill and A-Ma Temple, and other centuries-old churches and temples -- have charmed visitors from all over the world.

Not only are these architectural heritages treasures of Macau, but they are proof of a cultural merge that have made the world what it is today. In 2002, the Central Government has submitted application on behalf of Macau to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to add 12 historical architectures in the MSAR to its list of world heritages. The Centre has accepted the application after a technical analysis.

The shortlisted sites include not only well-known icons such as the A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul Church, but also the 120-year old Mandarin's House, in which a long awaited preservation project has been carried out after the complicated issue of ownership had been solved.

Other than historical architectures, Macau also offers a variety of sightseeing experience such as the Macau Museum which focuses on the history of the city, and other theme museums such as the Grand Prix Museum, the Wine Museum and the Maritime Museum. The Macau Cultural Museum and the Macau Cultural Centre bring a variety of exhibitions and performances to residents and tourists.

Cuisines and Events
Macau’s unique mix of cultures and customs is definitely reflected in the form of culinary fusion. Macaenese food, which is a fusion of Portuguese, African, Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking, has begun to gain international recognition, after having been enjoyed by locals for decades.

Throughout the year, Macau stages various international events such as the Macau International Music Festival, Macau Arts Festival, Macau Grand Prix and the International Fireworks Festival.

Macau Grand Prix is held every year and attracts more than 70,000 visitors: satellite television brings the exciting races with international drivers pounding the famous Guia Circuit, to 220 million viewers around the world.

Other sports events include the "Macau Golf Open" which is held every two years, the annual Dragon Boat Races in June, the Macau International Women's Volleyball competition in August and the Macau International Marathon in November.

The 4th East Asian Game in Macao, scheduled for 2005, is expected to further enhance the image of Macao internationally.


More Information：
Macau Government Tourist Office (http://www.macautourism.gov.mo)
Statistics and Census Service (http://www.dsec.gov.mo)
Cultural Institute (http://www.icm.gov.mo)