The third largest country in the world has so much to offer to tourists. From monasteries to glamorous shopping malls China has everything. When anyone talks about visiting this country the first thing that pops up is Beijing or Shanghai but do you know there is another epic place that you can visit, you can have a laid back or an adventurous trip all in one, if you haven't guessed it yet, it is MACAO!
The word Macao in itself sounds like such a fun, party word, can you imagine how visiting this Vegas of China would be like. From jumping off the highest bungee to gambling in the the Vegas of Asia, Macao has a lot to offer. Read below to know all about the possible reasons why Macao should be on your immediate bucket list.
#1 - Ruins of St. Paul’s
It is one of the top Macau tourist spots. This is the most important and age-old structure of Macau with a gigantic relic and a stairway that reflect the remains of the century-old Jesuit Church. This structure of the biggest catholic church of East Asia has five tiers, built in granite.
#2 - Senado Square
Senado Square is always bustling with tourists and locals. The Square isn't just about shops and restaurants, it is a World Heritage Site as announced by UNESCO. It portrays the magical history of Macau.
#3 - Holy House of Mercy
The Holy House of Mercy was established in 1569 with an aim to impart educational, medical and social assistance to the underprivileged locals. Currently, it has been transformed into a museum and features numerous sacrificial offerings and precious items like Jesus on the Cross.
#4 - Macau Ferry Terminal & Heliport
The place is a popular pad for helicopters and purveys the stunning sights of the helicopter taking off from helipad near the waters.
#5 - Macau Peninsula
This bustling center of the city is known for its colonial-style buildings, vibrant casinos, and enthusiastic crowd. This is the most exciting spot in Macau where one can glance art sets, galleries, quaint, or check the local cuisine from beautiful cafes here
#6 - Macao Giant Panda Pavilion
This pavilion houses adorable giant pandas and enthralls the visitors with the exciting sights of this playful animal.
#7 - Casa Garden
Casa Garden houses the Oriental Foundation which organizes regular exhibitions so you can go inside and visit it. Check out their beautiful gardens with pretty flowers and plants and a pond.
#8 - Church of St Dominic
Right in the middle of Macau’s historic centre, this yellow baroque church with white ornaments and moldings was founded by three Spanish Dominican priests from Acapulco, Mexico.
#9 - Street of happiness
The street was made famous by Hollywood and several scenes from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (what an amazing movie, so much nostalgia!) that are meant to take place in Shanghai but were shot here as at the time, access to China was not possible.
#10 - Guia Fortress, Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse
For a generous dose of views and a completely different experience in Macau, climb up to Guia Fortress and learn about defending the city and about the Portuguese history in Macau. If you have been to Lisbon, the fortress will remind you of the city too.
#11 - Travessa da Paixão (Love Lane)
This small lane by the Ruins of St. Paul is interesting because of its name, which translates from the Portuguese as Passion Lane, or Love Lane.
#12 - Admire the largest cushion cut diamond in the world
The hotel belongs to the wealthiest Macanese tycoon, Stanley Ho, and is one of the flashiest hotels I have ever seen and a major tourist spot in Macau.
#13 - Sam Kai Vui Kun
The temple is associated with trade and commerce in the area and new edicts from Chinese Mainland authorities were announced in front of the temple so it is an interesting place to visit in Macau.
#14 - Mandarin’s House
The compound is the largest in the UNESCO-listed Historical Center of Macau, and also the largest private residence in the country.
#15 - Macau Tower
At 338 m, Macau Tower is the highest point in Macau. Located at the southern point of Peninsular Macau, it offers sweeping views across the sea.
#16 - Na Tcha Temple
UNESCO-listed Na Cha Temple is usually mentioned as the best symbol of the Sino-Portuguese past of Macau. The small temple measuring only eight by four meters, sits right next to the iconic Ruins of the Church of St Paul, the most famous attraction in Macau.
#17 - Fortaleza do Monte
Also known as Mount Fortress, Fortaleza do Monte was another crucial structure to hold off an invasion from the Dutch in 1622 and is also included in UNESCO’s list.
#18 - The Holy House of Mercy
The Holly House of Mercy is a well established institution located on Senado Square and founded by the first Bishop of Macau in 1559 to tend to the orphans and widows of the sailors who died at sea.
#19 - Kun Iam Temple
The temple is not to be confused with the statue of the same goddess, located elsewhere. As this is further away from the main tourist spots in Macau, the Kun Iam is much less crowded.
#20 - Bungee jump
The AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump is 233m / 764ft high, making this jump a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the world. What better than ending the trip with a big bang.
The list can go on but I will stop for now. Continue adding to the list after your trip!
Bon Voyage!