Falling for Macau's Old World Charm, Enchanted by the Grand Lisboa Hotel

On a sunny day, Macau is both vibrant and refreshing. Perhaps thanks to the ocean climate, it is not sweltering. The wind shapes the clouds over Macau into various forms; once I saw a Guanyin statue that seemed to be stepping on auspicious clouds. The blend of Chinese and Western historical and cultural atmosphere, along with the brilliant colors of the buildings, feels extremely gorgeous.

Those who are fascinated by the scenery of the last century can hardly refuse Macau – this city is a history book. Although the former prosperity of Portugal has declined, its traces are everywhere, undiminished in charm. On one side elegance and charm, on the other speed and passion. Though the city covers only 32 square kilometers, Macau's dual charm attracts countless people to visit again and again.

Here you have both traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles and neon lights that never dim. In Macau, where Portuguese and local cultures blend, even a brief stop allows you to feel the unique pulse of the city.

The shopfronts of Portuguese architecture, walls painted light yellow and pink, with green and brown windows. At the end of the 50-meter lane called "Love Lane" lie the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral – perhaps you know it better as "Ruins of St. Paul's." The remaining bronze statues and stone carvings still show Baroque splendor. Looking up at the Ruins of St. Paul's, history from 300 years ago passes through the walls; the exquisite reliefs are both solitary and majestic.

For four hundred years, this place has been a meeting point of Chinese and Western cultures. If you are attentive, just from the details, patterns, and motifs in the old buildings, you can grasp the cultural essence of East-West fusion. Especially in the historic district, those old buildings that survive and remain vibrant are the secret to the continuation of Macau's cultural heritage.

The same goes for food. A small street is filled with a dazzling array of shops. On Rua da Felicidade, the most mouthwatering is shark fin, with Southwest Restaurant being the most famous. The two-story old shop has a huge shark fin several meters high hanging in the glass door. A bowl of "Tian Jiu Chi" (superior shark fin) costs over a thousand yuan, earning it the name "Tycoon's Canteen." More affordable shark fin shops sell for just tens of yuan.

As for Three Lamps, it is actually a nostalgic street lamp on the Rotunda de Carlos da Maia. Using it as a landmark, the food inclusiveness is even stronger. I have written about its appeal more than once. It is one of Macau's most down-to-earth places. The most famous are Feng Ji's Pig Trotters with Ginger, Tokyo Snack Shop, etc.

Three Lamps is also a gathering place for Burmese people in Macau, known as "Little Burma." It brings together many Southeast Asian cuisines, mainly Burmese. Clusters of snack shops focus on authentic Burmese fare; fish soup noodles and coconut chicken shreds are signature dishes, and prices are very affordable. Further ahead on Red Market Road is my favorite Wah Sang Hong, where turtle jelly and double-boiled soups are generously filled and delicious.

Long Wa Restaurant takes the top spot among Macau's nostalgic tea houses. When my aunt brought me here for tea to experience the old tea house atmosphere, it had not yet become known to tourists. That photo I took of Ginger and Scallion White Cut Chicken Rice back then became the most widely circulated.

The offal and dessert carts downstairs at the tea house are old brands with decades of history. Time has erased many nostalgic delicacies, but Yeung Luk's offal congee still lingers in my mind. Good flavors are worth remembering. Macau is just so unforgettable. Every visit brings new discoveries and experiences.

Before coming to Rua do Cunha, be sure not to have breakfast, because there are so many snacks to choose from here: egg rolls, ginger candy, almond cookies, pork jerky, agar jelly, serradura (sawdust pudding), durian ice cream... all kinds, a feast for the palate. The Portuguese egg tarts you eat in Macau were actually created by the Englishman Andrew Stow. After tasting the traditional Pasteis de Nata in Portugal, he used lard, flour, water, eggs, and English pastry methods to open the Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane, Macau.

Located at the intersection of Rua de Carlos da Maia and Largo do Carmo in Taipa, the Church of Our Lady of Carmo has its three-story exterior painted in a light yellow color, giving a romantic and warm feeling. Plus, across the street is the government department for Macau marriage registration, so now it has become a must-visit photo spot for couples.

Standing in this nostalgic neighborhood, savoring the local specialties like pork chop buns and curry snacks, looking up at the magnificent building that contrasts with the surrounding old city houses, you can quietly feel Macau of the 19th century.

Enjoy the baptism of five-star hotels, explore the old town of Macau to find the past Chinese and Western cultures, experience classic Cantonese cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants, and traverse the deep alleys to discover everything I have never seen or heard before. It all feels like completing a puzzle game. The old Hotel Lisboa from 1970 was once a representative in classic Hong Kong movies and a symbol of Macau. Mr. Stanley Ho's private art collection is generously displayed in every corner of the hotel, with countless visitors coming just to tour the hotel every day.

As for the Grand Lisboa Hotel, do you remember that National Geographic award-winning photo? My friend once took a photo from the same angle. The towering Grand Lisboa contrasts with the nostalgic old town, and the huge difference is enough to make you want to explore. I can't remember how many times I've been to Macau. This place where my family lives always feels so familiar. Every new discovery about it makes me love it even more.

In front of the Grand Lisboa Hotel is Macau Tower, the most prominent landmark in the city. To the left of the hotel is the quiet Guia Hill, better for overlooking the city scenery. The ancient fort, the refreshingly simple lighthouse, and the holy church add a touch of rustic charm to this highest hill on the Macau Peninsula.

To the right is the Penha Church, also known as the Bishop's Hill Chapel. Macau is a city that can be measured on foot. If you want to experience an off-the-beaten-path route and feel the evolution of Chinese and Western culture in Macau, you can start from Rua da Felicidade, walk along the Dom Pedro V Theatre, all the way to the Mandarin's House, then up to Penha Hill to overlook half of Macau. The A-Ma Temple at the foot of the hill has witnessed Macau's transformation from a small fishing village hundreds of years ago to a bustling international metropolis.

At a corner, you might encounter a grand cathedral or a small temple; the vibrant Portuguese architecture collides with Chinese style, and cultures merge here.

From the moment you enter the city, the comfort and relaxation of being surrounded by a space filled with colors is the elegance that Macau presents to you. The glittering five-star hotels, Renaissance architecture, the trails of cars passing by – standing on the Macau Tower, you can see the pulse of the city.

Macau has 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, an average of one for every less than 2 square kilometers – in terms of density, Macau's array of fine cuisine has never lost to anyone. Driving on the undulating roads of the island, opening the window to feel the sea breeze of Macau, and then thinking about the food – how can one not feel invigorated? This is not my first stay at the Grand Lisboa. I love its unique and distinctive style; the lobby design is grand. The artworks fill every corner, truly museum-grade collections. There are also various explanations that can broaden your horizons.

The rooms are grand and comfortable; the toiletries are Hermès level. The towering Grand Lisboa has always been deeply imprinted in everyone's heart, carrying great weight.

The 8 Restaurant at the Grand Lisboa, which has been awarded three Michelin stars for many consecutive years, holds an extraordinary and obvious status among Macau's established hotels. I have visited the 8 Restaurant before and tasted many innovative dishes by its chefs. Now, as Macau tourism restarts, I must explore it again. Every visit brings great benefits, whether in taste or service; the Grand Lisboa always surprises you. Although the 8 Restaurant has won three Michelin stars for seven consecutive years, its value for money is very high, with a full range of dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. I especially love its dim sum – exquisite and delightful, with flavors that are beyond praise.

The honor of three Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years is an unparalleled high-end dining level in Macau. It is already extremely difficult to maintain a Michelin-starred restaurant; what is its appeal? Today I finally had the opportunity to taste its French charm. The pre-dinner wine introduction is full of ritual. The wine collection alone is astonishing. The restaurant will serve suitable matching wines according to your meal order, or you can choose your favorite red wines. I'm not worried that there won't be a taste you like, only that the wine selection is too vast, dazzling and making it hard to choose. Remember to make a reservation in advance if you come to Robuchon au Dôme. Also, Michelin restaurants require men not to wear shorts, sandals, slippers, or sleeveless shirts; women should dress decently. Some Michelin restaurants require men to wear formal wear. You need to find out whether the restaurant accommodates children. Tip: If you want to experience a restaurant with good value for money, you can visit at noon. The environment is bright, and lunch is about RMB 500. In addition to classic caviar and foie gras, must-try dishes include Kagoshima wagyu. The restaurant is located in the dome at the top of the Grand Lisboa Hotel, 238 meters high. The unique and huge crystal chandelier catches your eye as soon as you step out of the elevator, and the beautiful piano performance also attracts you. The French charm is irresistible. In the center of the restaurant hangs a giant crystal chandelier decorated with 131,500 Swarovski crystals; the French-style antique bronze mirror honeycomb-shaped feature wall, elegant leather tables by the window with rosewood chairs, exquisite Lalique crystal tableware, and top French brand Bernardaud white gold plates and Christofle silver cutlery.

As everyone knows, French cuisine is very particular, with each course served carefully and ceremoniously. When the waiter comes with his recommended wine, I can immerse myself in it.

Even serving butter is full of ceremony.

All kinds of delicious desserts and bread—choose however you like.

The main course features caviar, king crab tower with seafood jelly.

The exquisite plates and dish pairings complement each other perfectly.

Each dish is like a work of art, perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

Grilled beef tenderloin and duck liver—the fusion of beef and duck liver is wonderful, leaving you full of praise.

Sitting amidst the stunning sea-and-sky view of Macau, such a beautiful setting must be captured in photos.

The hotel saw us carrying a telephoto lens and took us to an exclusive spot to photograph the top view of Macau. The feeling of seeing all of Macau at a glance is really amazing.

It is the highest Michelin-starred restaurant in Southern Italy, "Don Alfonso 1890 Italian Cuisine." At the restaurant entrance, they have built an Italian traditional oven. Everything you eat is the most authentic Italian pizza, handmade. That day we also worked hard to learn how to incorporate Italian flair into the pizza. It was especially interesting.

Every step is so rigorous and meticulous, all hoping that you can taste the flavor of Italy at the first moment.

Add cheese, tomato sauce, and other toppings. Put it into the oven, and the aroma follows.

A pizza with the style of Southern Italy is thus born.

Of course, the Grand Lisboa has more than these surprising dining options. There is also a 24-hour congee and noodle area, meeting your different needs.

A wide variety of choices, surely there is one you love most. No matter when you return to the hotel, there will always be a bowl of hot congee waiting for you. Here you can also taste Macau's best water crab congee.

From morning to night, breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant or ordered as room service. While enjoying the morning atmosphere of Macau and tasting a delicious breakfast, start the day full of energy. Why hesitate on which hotel to choose when you come to Macau!

Such Macau makes you linger and forget to return. Who else but it?