Macau Travel Photography, Must-See Macau Travel Guide; Macau Travel Beginner's Guide; My First Trip to Macau 01

Macau is a magical city that is small but complete. After more than 400 years of European cultural influence, it blends the essence of Chinese and Western cultures, presenting a unique and diverse mix of culture, architecture, and social customs.

Macau, a tiny piece of land, returned to the motherland in 1999. Today, Macau's land area is only 32.9 square kilometers, yet its total population reaches 672,000, with over 1,200 streets, large and small. The Macau Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane—three separate islands—support the city. You can drive around it in one hour.

After Macau's return, the land area increased from 23.8 square kilometers to the current 32.9 square kilometers. By 2018, the per capita GDP had tripled, reaching US$83,000 (equivalent to RMB 600,000), making it the city with the second highest per capita GDP in the world. This is the legendary wealthy city!

It is said that the Macau government gives money to its citizens regularly, about 6,000 Macau Patacas per month, and provides subsidies for marriage and childbirth. The regional economy is highly developed, and per capita income is high.

After crossing the border into Macau, you can get a free "Macau Travel Map" at the service counter. It contains detailed information about Macau, maps, bus routes, World Heritage sites, museums, eight major attractions, food guides, and hotel recommendations. With this map, you can roam Macau with ease.

The first stop is, of course, Rua de São Paulo, also known as "Handicraft Street", the必经之路 to the Ruins of St. Paul. The street is not long, connecting north and south. The shops on Rua de São Paulo are full of souvenir shops, local Macau snack shops, and coffee shops. The best items are dried pork jerky and pastries. What's more, various shops compete for business, offering great discounts and generous samples, which made this ordinary foodie customer very satisfied, especially when you haven't decided what "souvenirs" to buy, the vendors eagerly offer you samples.

The Macau Fortress is about 10 meters to the right of the Ruins of St. Paul. Just walk up the steps; it's not high. At the top is the Macau Museum.

Next comes the Macau Fortress, which is part of the Historic Centre of Macau. Construction began in 1617, more than 400 years ago. It was mainly built for defense against external invaders and was a military restricted area until 1998, when it was converted into the Macau Museum and opened to the public. Many foreign tour groups also come here to learn about Macau's history and culture.

Next to the Fortress is the Macau Museum. To better and more directly understand a city, the best way is to visit its museum.

There are two best spots for taking great photos. One is the viewing platform at the Ruins of St. Paul, where you can capture the full view of the ruins while avoiding the crowds. (Location: to the right of the Fortress, go up two high steps; it's not far.) The other is behind the Macau Museum, next to the pond.

(Unfortunately, it was too dark in the evening and night, so I didn't take many photos. What a pity!)

Noon: Grand Lisboa, the historic sites from Grand Lisboa north to St. Paul's (St. Augustine's Square, Leal Senado Building, Senado Square, Holy House of Mercy, St. Dominic's Church, Fortress), St. Paul's. Duration: about 3 hours.

Afternoon: The Venetian, Taipa Houses–Museum, Rua do Cunha. Duration: about 2 hours.

P.S. After crossing the border, taking a bus to the city center usually takes until around noon. The itinerary is quite tight, so manage your time well.

Macau Food Guide!

>> Little Panda Laksa

Peninsula store address: No. 14-16 Travessa do Tribunal, Peninsula (near Bonjour)

>> Chan Kong Kei Roasted Meat Shop

Address: G/F, No. 19 Estrada do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, Macau Peninsula.

>> Margaret's Café e Nata

Although after tasting Lord Stow's egg tarts, I can't go back, Margaret's egg tarts are still worth a try.

Address: G/F, 17B, Building Kinlee, Rua da Praia Grande, San Ma Lo.

>> Overrated: Shanghai Xiaolongbao at Small Shanghai and double skin milk at Yee Shun Milk Company are really average.

Transportation between Macau Peninsula and Taipa

Transportation between Macau Peninsula and Taipa is mostly handled by free shuttle buses. The only downside of free shuttles is that their stops are not clearly marked or guided.

If you can't find the free shuttle stop, buses 11, 22, 28a, 30, 33, and 34 run between Taipa and the Macau Peninsula. Taxis are faster and more convenient.

House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams: Prices vary by zone, from 300 to 1,000 RMB per person.

>> "8" Ferris Wheel + Batman Dark Flight (4D simulated flight experience) at Studio City: 140 RMB/person.

>> Gondola ride at The Venetian: 75 RMB/person.

>> Feng Zhu Buffet

Located on the 1st floor of The Venetian Macau. 174 RMB/person.

>> Lord Stow's Egg Tarts

If you're not going to Coloane, don't miss Lord Stow's egg tarts at The Venetian. Address: Shop 2119a, 3rd floor, The Grand Canal Shoppes, The Venetian Macau.

>> Little Panda Laksa

Taipa store address: Block A, China Plaza, Avenida Do Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Taipa.

>> Tai Lei Loi Kei Pork Chop Bun

It's okay (hesitating whether to put it in the overrated list). Address: No. 18 Travessa do Governador Barbosa, Taipa.

Handicraft Street (the street in front of Ruins of St. Paul)