Travel: Magical Macao
Planning your 2020 travels? This tiny region of China is an ideal city break or stopover en route to the Far East and Australia. Thrumming with European and Asian influences,
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
Lying 40 miles across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, enticing Macao has an extraordinary heritage, masses to interest and intrigue visitors and overwhelmingly friendly locals. Before it was handed back to China in 1999, the islanders spent more than 400 years as a Portuguese colony and the European influence is still strongly evident in the pastel coloured neo-classical buildings and street names.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Glitz, glamour and super-sized casinos, although that’s the first impression that hits a first-time visitor, there is plenty else to do if you aren’t interested in blackjack or baccarat. From exquisite Chinese gardens, incense-scented temples and buzzing street markets to beautiful beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, kayaking and golf, there’s no chance of getting bored here! What’s more, Macao also hosts a year-round calendar of events and festivals, including the Grand Prix, international music and film festivals and the colourful fisherman’s Feast of the Drunken Dragon.
FOOD AND DRINK
Macanese cuisine incorporates a fusion of flavours, not only from Portugal and China, but also from Africa, Malaysia and India. Foodies in this UNESCO city of gastronomy are spoiled for choice with 19 Michelin-starred restaurants! Michelin stars aside, though, every visitor should try the city’s edible icon – creamy egg tarts with a crunchy caramelised pastry top. They taste delicious straight from the oven at Lord Stow’s Bakery, a tourist attraction in its own right.
DON’T MISS
Pop into the Long Wa Tea House, the oldest in Macao. The owner uses an abacus to tot up the bill! Tea options include jasmine, iron buddha, oolong and pu-erh. Traditional tea houses like this have been a focus of social life since the time of the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279).