Recalling Macau | A Macau That Makes You Fall in Love Every Time You Visit
When was your last visit to Macau?
It has been over a year since my last trip, and I happened to catch the International Fireworks Competition back then—those brilliant moments are still unforgettable.
In fact, I have been to Macau five or six times. I've visited most of the attractions, and some places multiple times. Macau is truly a place that makes you want to return again and again; each visit brings different feelings and a fresh sense of novelty.
Among Macau's many tourist spots, my favorite is the area around the Ruins of St. Paul's.
The attractions on Macau's peninsula are quite concentrated. The Ruins of St. Paul's blend European Renaissance and Eastern architectural styles. It was the front wall of the Church of the Mother of God (St. Paul's Church). The church suffered three major fires, rebuilt each time, until the final fire on October 26, 1835, left only the front facade. This wall resembles a traditional Chinese memorial archway, hence the name "大三巴牌坊" (Ruins of St. Paul's). After visiting the facade, you can go inside to the Museum of Sacred Art.
Aside from the Ruins of St. Paul's, there is also the romantic Love Lane, just a wall apart yet completely different. This place bears countless love stories. The pink European-style buildings with shutters exude romance, making it a must-visit for couples traveling to Macau.
The Coca-Cola Museum is also nearby. I even bought a commemorative bottle of cola for Macau's return to China back then, which is still on display in my study. Though it's called a museum, it's actually a small private shop. But as the saying goes, "small but complete," it displays many very old limited-edition colas and cola merchandise. I snatched the last limited-edition cola bottle cap fridge magnet.
When visiting a city, you should definitely explore its museums. The Macao Museum is on the right of the Ruins of St. Paul's, and further in is the Monte Fort. Both are well worth a visit.
The Macao Museum is a great place to learn about Macau, showcasing the collision of Chinese and Western cultures with many unique historical artifacts.
The museum is divided into three floors: the first floor displays Macau's early history, the second floor presents Macau's folk arts and traditions, and the third floor exhibits contemporary Macau items. Visiting the museum, you can see Macau's transformation and development from a small fishing village to its current state.
Going up from the museum leads to the Monte Fort, one of the oldest existing Western fort structures in China. It was used for coastal defense and has witnessed the history of Macau. Besides seeing the fortifications, it's also an excellent spot to enjoy the cityscape of Macau. If you gaze out at sunset, the whole city is bathed in golden light, a breathtaking view.
Actually, there are many alleys near the Ruins of St. Paul's that are great for photos, full of charm even on rainy days. There are also many small eateries. I stumbled upon a corner shop that served rice with scrambled eggs, and the taste was incredible!
Speaking of food, I have to mention Rua do Cunha. It's a famous street for souvenirs. Rua do Cunha is named after the 81st Governor of Macau and is one of the main streets in the old Taipa area.
Rua do Cunha has a plethora of food: beef offal, Lord Stow's egg tarts, dried meat, almond cookies, coffee, milk tea, and the trendy Cheung Chau Mochi. You can buy many gifts for friends and family.
Every time I come to Macau, I have to visit this street. Lord Stow's egg tarts are absolutely YYDS! Be sure to try the curry fish balls and beef offal from Heng Yau—the fish balls are especially springy.
Don't just walk straight along Rua do Cunha; explore the nearby alleys for photo-worthy spots and hidden culinary gems.
About a few hundred meters straight from Rua do Cunha is the Casa da Taipa (Taipa Houses). This is a museum consisting of five Portuguese-style houses along the seaside road. "龙环" (Long Huan) is the old name for Taipa Island, and "葡韵" (Puyun) refers to the Portuguese architectural style.
The mint green with white makes these Portuguese villas very refreshing. Photography enthusiasts must visit.
The five Portuguese houses are: Casa do Cidadão do Oriente (Portuguese-Born Chinese House), Casa da Ilha (Island House), Casa da Região de Portugal (Portugal Region House), Exhibition House, and Guest House. They are among Macau's most representative attractions and one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Macau.
Speaking of the Eight Scenic Spots of Macau, they are: Lighthouse and Ocean Wave, Long Bridge and Rainbow, A-Ma Temple Whispers, Puji Temple Seeking Serenity, St. Paul's Sanctity, Lu Garden Exploration, Taipa Houses Charm, and Hac Sa Beach Walking.
Speaking of Hac Sa Beach, its unique feature is the black, fine, and smooth sand, from which it gets its name. In front are rocks shaped like dragon claws. Listening to the waves crashing against the rocks and feeling the sea breeze is incredibly pleasant.
This is another natural scenic spot in Macau travel.
In the past, when going to Hac Sa Beach, I would also pass by Rua de Cinco de Outubro (October 5th Street), which was once Macau's busiest street.
This street is well-known from the Hong Kong TV series "Moonlight Resonance" (October 5th Moonlight). It is a residential area for locals. Its former glory is gone, with the famous Luk Kok Tea House and Heng Lam Chong Winery closed for various reasons, but now there are many good small restaurants along the street.
If you love photography, don't miss the Fisherman's Wharf. The ancient-looking buildings are a fantastic photo spot, making you feel like you're on the streets of Rome.
Macau hosts many events and activities each year. Last time I was there, I happened upon the International Fireworks Competition.
The Macau International Fireworks Competition started in 1989 and has become an international event, highly regarded in the world of similar competitions.
I watched 12 world-class teams compete over six nights, delivering 12 spectacular shows themed "Lotus 20, Fireworks 30," spanning the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, and extending to the Golden Week of October 1st. Having witnessed it, it was truly an unforgettable fireworks event!
I recall watching a match between Malaysia and the Philippines. The fireworks were set off near the Macau Tower. We chose the Nam Van Lakeside as our viewing spot. I recommend several good viewing locations: the Macau Tower, Penha Hill Observatory, and One Central Lake. Later, friends who watched from a cruise ship also got great photos—so it's a good reference for anyone planning to watch fireworks in Macau.
The fireworks competition was spectacular. The fireworks instantly bloomed in the sky, lighting up the calm night, fleeting like meteors. Holding hands with a loved one while watching fireworks is incredibly romantic, and you can make a vow of love as they burst.
By the way, make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot. I'm still looking forward to going back to Macau to watch our country's International Fireworks Competition again.
In fact, besides these attractions, Macau's hotels are also great. Almost every hotel has a commercial area and restaurants downstairs, allowing you to effortlessly shop and eat without leaving the hotel.
For example, the Wynn and Sands hotels I've stayed at each have their own characteristics. In the past, I would always choose to spend a comfortable day lying in the hotel, enjoying the happiness it brings.
If you choose to stay at Wynn Palace, be sure to book a room with a view of the Performance Lake. I usually pick a Tiffany blue-themed room. I highly recommend ordering breakfast to your room—the service is excellent, and you can choose from Chinese, Western, or Japanese breakfasts. You can also strike poses and take great photos in the room, elegant and noble—absolutely amazing!
Sands hotels are more convenient for shopping, as the Sands Cotai Central is all connected. Many first-time visitors go to The Venetian for shopping. Staying at Sands gives easy access to The Venetian, the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian, and the new The Londoner.
Additionally, Sands hotels cover a range of prices, offering more options depending on your budget.
Other than that, the teamLab exhibition in Macau is a must-see. The art of light, unparalleled beauty and creativity—each installation presents a different artistic effect, like opening a magic box.
Recently, a friend traveling in Macau told me there are many activities during the Chinese New Year. Festive lanterns are everywhere, and many scenic spots have erected tiger zodiac sculptures, full of New Year atmosphere.
Let me list some activities during this year's Chinese New Year period for everyone. Those planning a trip to Macau soon should not miss them (photos from Macau Government Tourism Office).
1. 2022 Lunar New Year Fair
This year, there is a special Lunar New Year Fair at Tap Seac Square, featuring booths for festive gifts, New Year flowers, and snacks. Not only a dazzling array of New Year goods, but also performances every evening. Opening hours: Jan 25-30, 09:00-24:00; Jan 31-Feb 1, 09:00-02:00.
2. "Lucky Tiger Brings Prosperity 2022 Lunar New Year Parade"
On February 3 (the third day of the lunar new year) and February 12 (the 12th day of the first lunar month), there will be a large Chinese New Year event—the "Lucky Tiger Brings Prosperity 2022 Lunar New Year Parade."
February 3: Opening ceremony, parade, and cultural performances. Starting at 8 PM from Sai Van Lake Square in front of the Macau Tower, proceeding along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen to the Macau Science Center.
February 12: Parade and cultural performances. Starting at 8 PM from Rua Norte do Patane, proceeding along Avenida do Conselheiro Borja, Ponte da Arcos, Rua da Barca, Avenida do Conselheiro Borja (note: check consistency), Avenida de Venceslau de Morais, Rua Quatro do Bairro da Areia Preta, Avenida da Longevidade, Rua do Mercado, ending at Mercado Municipal de Iao Hon.
3. Fireworks and Firecracker Zones
This year, fireworks and firecracker zones are set up in both Macau Peninsula and Taipa. The Macau Peninsula zone is on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, near the new reclaimed land of the Macau Tower; Taipa zone is on Estrada Governador Marques de Oliveira, near the seaside.
Opening hours: Jan 31, 12:00 noon to 1:00 AM; Feb 1-6, 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
After seeing these activities, I really want to take my family to Macau for the Chinese New Year!
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