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Places in China: Macau Special Administrative Region

Macau is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) in China. The other is Hong Kong, a near neighbour of Macau. Both were colonies of European nations until they rejoined the PRC in 1999.

Macau is a tiny region which acts something like a province. The land area of the region is 27.3 square kilometres with a population of below one million people. The administrative region consists of the peninsula on which Macau, the city, is located plus two small islands connected by bridge to the city.

Although tourism and gambling are the major business ventures of Macau now, there are other less major sources income such as textile works and garment manufacturing. Still, the largest casino in the world is the Venetian Macau. It is larger than any casino in the famous strip at Las Vegas, USA. Many of the luxury hotels in Macau also have casinos, making a total of twenty-six casinos in the city at last count. Other amusements of various types are also available in Macau.

The buildings and architecture in the region reflect a strong European flavour since the Portuguese owned the colony for over 440 years. The Cantonese language is the preferred language of Macau although Portuguese is spoken widely. English has caught on as well for the purpose of helping tourists to feel comfortable. Some of the buildings in Macau are old yet well-maintained for their age. Cleanliness and tidiness are highly valued in the city, making it a very pleasant place to visit.

Macau had a golden age of prosperity which lasted until around the mid-1850s. The Portuguese managed the city well until their finances limited their support. They made Macau to become an Asian city with a strong European personality. The foods reflect both the Asian and European cultures as do many other elements of the society.

Macau, as Hong Kong, was a neutral port during World War II. After the war, Macau asked to become a part of the People's Republic of China but was refused until 1999, when both Macau and Hong Kong joined the PRC.

Macau sits on one side of the Pearl River Delta while Hong Kong sits on the other side. The two ports are around thirty-five miles apart in distance but much further apart when comparing the spirits of the two cities. Hong Kong is highly business-oriented while Macau is much more into tourism and the gambling industry.

As Hong Kong, Macau is a subtropical place with mild winters and hot summers.

Macau was presented to Portugal as a way of expressing the appreciation of China for Portugal's assistance in ridding the area of pirates on the South China Sea in 1553. This led to Macau being a colony of Portugal until 1999 when both Macau and Hong Kong were ceded back to China. Portugal used Macau as a trading port since it began governing the colony in 1553. Before that time, Macau has been a part of China since the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. It was sometimes used as a place to send exiles since it was then considered to be very much like an outpost.

A visit to Macau is much like a visit to a hybrid between Las Vegas and China. The golden jewel of Macau is shining brightly for business and pleasure visitors.