Add balmy Southern China to your bucket list – Macau is the next big thing. Here are its main three attractions.
It’s the ninth highest recipient of tourism income in the world – and for good reason. Just west of Hong Kong lies the city of Macau; once a Portuguese trading outpost and now, hundreds of years later, a cultural melting pot and luxury hub of world-renowned casinos and resorts.
Add balmy Southern China to your bucket list – Macau is the next big thing. Here are its main three attractions.
Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre
From skyline photography to fine dining, to just getting your whereabouts, Macau Tower is a great place to start for any visitor to the region. It’s a truly iconic landmark, both from above and from below. With six restaurants, six shops, as well as wedding and event services, the location is always bustling with activity.
And for the truly daring, bungee jumping, skywalks and sky jumps are on offer from the heights of the 338m structure, with appropriate safety on hand of course.
Macau is the epitome of a cultural mix. Being a historical colonial port city and now a special administrative region of mainland China, it has influences from all throughout history from all around the world. It’s said that the Macau Tower was inspired by local businessmen Dr. Stanley Ho Hung-Sun’s visit to the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand.
From Macau Tower, the rest of the city is at your fingertips.
The Venetian
Believe it or not, Macau’s gaming industry is seven times larger than that of Las Vegas – and what better example of that is there than The Venetian hotel and casino? The latter covers over 546,000 sq feet alone, with 6,000 slot machines and 800 gambling tables. If you enjoy a round or two, be sure to reserve an evening in Macau.
Casinos are a core tenant of Macau's tourism industry; the city has been nicknamed "the Vegas of the east", but in reality, Macau is far larger and far more successful.
Gambling has been on the rocket rise around the world in recent years, both online and off. Digital providers like Magical Vegas online casino have seen exponential growth on the internet with live casino games, tables and even online scratch cards. It seems tourist destinations like Macau are reaping the rewards of a larger customer base as a result. More people are playing poker, roulette and slots than ever before.
Senado Square
For a little fresh sea air, visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Senado Square. Its unique mix of European-Asian architecture can’t be found anywhere else in the world, let alone in China. Built under Portuguese rule, it was designed as a meeting place for residents in the city and remains so today. Depending on the timing of your trip, you might find yourself in the midst of a flea market, festival celebration or boisterous performance.
It’s been likened to Dubai, it’s been likened to Vegas, but Macau is its own beast of a holiday destination. Until you’ve been there yourself it’s hard to describe. Visit as part of a duel trip to its renowned neighbour Hong Kong, as part of an excursion through China as a whole, or on its own for a standalone tour.
Autumn, winter and especially mid-October to December are recommended as the best times to visit.
