Saturday, December 6, 2008

Travel to Macau

Macau and Hong Kong are somewhat alike in the history, cultures and the status of being a special administrative region of PRC. If you don’t like the crowd of Hong Kong, maybe Macau is a good choice. A wander around the Macau Peninsular will bring you into a world of antiques and fashion, traditional and modern, as well as tranquility and glitz.

Macau is a very small city, covering an area of just 27.5 square kilometers, with a total population of 469,800 and 95% are Chinese, the remainder being Portuguese and other westerners. In history, the Portuguese ruled here prior to Macau's official return to the People's Republic of China on December 20, 1999. Just like Hong Kong, after administered by a western country for many years, Macau becomes a charming place with various cultures. The majority resides on the Macau Peninsular where you can find a variety of both Oriental and Western cultural and historical places of interest and all sorts of old buildings that are either European baroque or traditional Chinese in style. The blend of people, culture and history has influences on every aspect of life in the city.

Macau comprises the Macau Peninsular and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Popular sightseeing places that form part of a traveler's itinerary are spread all over the Macau Peninsular.

It’s hard to list all the popular attractions in Macau, for they are all around, a lot of which are must see! The best way to explore numerous historical and cultural heritages of Macau is take a wandering around. First, stop by Largo do Senado, a splendid main square with wave-patterned pavement and central fountain. Here, you can enjoy a surrounding of simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings. Clothing shops, curio markets, pharmacies, snack stalls and jewelry shops spread all over the narrow alleyways selling dazzling items.

Next, take a visit to Ruins of St. Paul's, the great ruined facade and staircase to the church of the Mother of God, is the most famous landmark of Macau. Built from 1602 to 1637, a fire burned it to the ground in 1835, leaving only the facade, the staircase and portions of a wall. After a restoration in 1991, that facade is crowned by the cross of Jerusalem, below which are three tiers with niches containing statues that were cast from bronze, at a local cannon and bell factory.

Guia Fort, built on the highest point of Macau between 1637 and 1638, contains a chapel and a lighthouse. The chapel inside is in the style of Portuguese heritages of the 17th century. To the right of this chapel is a bell which was made in 1707. The lighthouse, which is the dominating feature of the Fort, was built by a local-born Portuguese. It was first lit up on September 24, 1865, and is the oldest on the China coast. Standing only 16 feet tall, its beam can be seen from 20 miles at sea under good weather conditions. To this day, it provides a guiding beacon to the passing boats.

Monte Fort is another famous fort. The Fort has been witness to three centuries of history, but was opened officially only in 1966. Centrally located, the fort is a splendid place to obtain overall views of the city, including Ruins of St. Paul's below, and one can see China just across the estuary.

Besides the places we suggested above, there are some other nice attractions you should visit. Such as churches, museums, gardens and the tranquil natural and beach sceneries of the two outlying islands——Taipa and Coloane, etc. Almost forgot, never ever miss the evenings in Macau. Macau streets are alive at night!

Feel hungry? You are lucky in the paradise for gourmands. Macau is famous for a wide range of delicious cuisines from all over the world including unparalleled Macau-style Portuguese cuisine, traditional Cantonese cuisine, exotic food from Italy, France, Brazil, India, Japan, and Korea... Everyone can find his own favorite!

0 评论: