Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhaoqing, Macau, Nanjing: An 8-Day, 5-Destination Self-Guided Tour

Macau's full name is the Macau Special Administrative Region. Since its return, it has been governed under 'one country, two systems'. This month marks exactly 21 years since Macau's return to the motherland.

I had long wanted to visit Macau in person. Once I made up my mind, I began researching and planning my trip.

I decided to fly from Shanghai to Guangzhou. On the evening of November 30, I flew from Dalian to Shanghai. I had originally considered spending the entire next day at Disneyland, but at the last moment I abandoned the idea. When it comes down to it, I'm simply more interested in cultural history and natural scenery.

December 1 itinerary: Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence, Zhou Enlai's Former Residence (Zhou Gong Guan), Sun Yat-sen Memorial Residence, Mao Zedong's Former Residence, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the Bund.

After breakfast, I strolled along the streets and arrived at the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence at 9 a.m. The site is well-maintained, with excellent service and detailed explanations. As I walked through, a sense of solemn respect naturally welled up. The large lawn in front of the main building is famous; Soong Ching Ling once hosted many Chinese and foreign guests on that very lawn.

Leaving the memorial, I walked about ten minutes to Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, also known as Zhou Gong Guan. During the first period of KMT-CPC cooperation, this was the Shanghai office of the CCP delegation. Zhou Enlai, Dong Biwu, and other party leaders worked and fought here. Because Zhou oversaw daily operations, it became known as Zhou Gong Guan. The guided tour was vivid, giving a real sense of the tension of that era.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Residence is very close by. Sun lived here during the last ten years of his life, sharing this home with Soong Ching Ling for eight years—their longest shared residence. The museum displays episodes from Sun's life and work; many of his influential revolutionary thoughts and writings were born here. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside.

Not far away is Mao Zedong's Former Residence, where Mao lived with Yang Kaihui while working in Shanghai in 1924. Mao visited Shanghai more than ten times, and this was his longest stay. During this period, Mao's leadership and abilities grew, and he gained fundamental new insights into the Chinese revolution, recognizing that the peasantry and armed struggle were the two basic issues. The revolution needed a massive peasant movement, a path of encircling the cities from the countryside and seizing power by force. These ideas would go on to shape the entire nation.

From Mao's residence, I took the metro to People's Square, home to both the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Natural History Museum. I had visited the Shanghai Museum before, so this time I explored the Natural History Museum. It's spacious with many exhibits; I leisurely browsed for over an hour.

It was still early when I finished, so I checked the map and headed toward Nanjing Road. In the evening, I followed Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street all the way to the Bund. By the time I arrived, dusk was falling, and the Huangpu River bustled with boats coming and going. Gazing across both banks from the Bund, you can truly feel the extraordinary charm of this magical city.

As planned, I flew from Shanghai to Guangzhou that night. At boarding, I was delighted to discover the plane was a twin-aisle wide-body jet—my second time on such an aircraft. The first was over 20 years ago. How time flies; in the blink of an eye, two decades have passed. I've learned that time is truly the most heartless thing.

After arriving in Guangzhou, for convenience I chose a hotel opposite Yuexiu Park. My room was on the 15th floor: large, with a big picture window overlooking the lush green park. The view was expansive.

Waking early, I checked the weather: a high of 25°C, neither cold nor hot—perfect for travel. Back in Dalian, I heard, it had already started snowing.

December 2 itinerary: Guangdong Provincial Museum, Canton Tower, Sun Yat-sen's Grand Marshal Mansion.

In the morning, I took the metro to Huacheng Square. The square is surrounded by towering buildings and home to the Guangdong Provincial Museum, Guangzhou Opera House, and Guangzhou Library. Across the river stands Canton Tower, slender and graceful in the distance, incredibly beautiful.

The Guangdong Provincial Museum is a massive cuboid building; I've heard it nicknamed the 'Candy Box'. It's a comprehensive museum covering nature, cultural history, astronomy, and geography. One of its treasured exhibits is a Crinoid fossil, the second largest in China.

Inside, I encountered a tour group of elderly ladies with southern accents. I tagged along, listening to the detailed commentary. At the end of the tour, when the guide said goodbye, an old lady with reading glasses began earnestly lecturing the group on the philosophy of life. She went on for about 20 minutes, while the guide stood stunned, nodding along with an awkward but polite smile.

From the museum, I took the river-crossing metro straight to Canton Tower. At 600 meters, it's currently China's tallest and the world's third-tallest sightseeing tower, a Guangzhou landmark affectionately called 'Slim Waist'. There are various ticket combos; I bought the 150-yuan package. The day was clear, offering stunning views of both sides of the Pearl River and the lovely scenery of Yangcheng.

After descending, I took a bus to the Grand Marshal Mansion. This was the headquarters of Sun Yat-sen's land and naval forces when he established his revolutionary government in Guangzhou. The visit gave me a detailed understanding of his revolutionary journey.

Guangzhou is not only economically advanced but also a food lovers' paradise. That evening, I found a buffet restaurant and treated myself to hot pot.

December 3 itinerary: Sun Yat-sen Premier's Monument, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Room, Huangpu Military Academy Memorial, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Guangzhou Liberation Monument, Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Five Rams Statue.

The next morning, I first headed to Guangzhou First People's Hospital, about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. To enter Macau from the mainland, you need a NAT test result from within seven days. The hospital was crowded; the test cost 70 yuan. I recalled doing the same test in Dalian Central Hospital for 105 yuan—more expensive than here.

From the hospital, I went to the Huangpu Military Academy Memorial, a good distance from the city center. I took a metro, then a ferry, and walked about ten minutes. The academy is immensely famous in modern Chinese history, frequently mentioned in films about the War of Resistance and the Liberation period. To have studied there was the greatest honor for a soldier of that era.

The academy was jointly established by the KMT and CPC during their first cooperation. It produced numerous generals from both parties, including Ye Jianying, Chen Yi, Chen Geng, Xu Xiangqian, and Lin Biao. Chiang Kai-shek served as its head, and Zhou Enlai as director of the political department.

This is the headmaster's office, where Chiang worked.

After the academy, I took the metro back downtown to the Sacred Heart Cathedral. This is one of Guangzhou's larger churches and a popular Instagram spot, built entirely of granite in Gothic style. Due to the pandemic, it wasn't open.

Not far from the church is the Guangzhou Liberation Monument. I paid a visit, then rode the metro back to the hospital to pick up my NAT report.

After that, I walked about 20 minutes to the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King.

This is the tomb of the second Nanyue king. The burial chamber is open to visitors, about 100 square meters in size. It was the first time in my life I entered an ancient emperor's tomb.

What truly shocked me was that the king was accompanied by 15 sacrificial victims. They had no coffins, simply laid on the tomb floor. After more than 2,000 years, except for a tiny trace of bone fragments from the right consort, all the other bodies had completely decayed—barely discernible human outlines left. 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' Time truly destroys everything, no matter how much wealth and glory you once possessed. In a hundred years, it all returns to dust. So forget about money, forget about official titles—eat well, drink well, and travel whenever you feel like it. That's the real path!

The museum displays the tomb's lavish grave goods. The collection is rich and exquisite. The treasure of the museum is a silk-thread jade burial suit, unlike the gold-thread suits more commonly seen with Han dynasty rulers.

By the time I left the museum, evening was approaching. I crossed to Yuexiu Park opposite, home to the famous Five Rams Statue.

The Five Rams are the symbol of Guangzhou, embodying the city's spirit. Legend has it that over two thousand years ago, five immortals rode into Guangzhou on five rams, each carrying grain in its mouth. They bestowed the grain upon the people, and the rams turned into stone. From then on, Guangzhou became a land of abundance, earning its nicknames 'Ram City' and 'Grain City'.

December 4 itinerary: Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing.

Not far from Guangzhou lies the Seven Star Crags, a 5A-rated scenic area. I'd known since childhood that it's a famous Guangdong attraction, so I made sure to include it. Looking at the map, it's in Zhaoqing, about an hour by intercity high-speed rail. My hotel was close to the train station, making it very convenient.

I took an early high-speed train to Zhaoqing Station, then a five-minute bus ride to Seven Star Crags. According to the introduction, Zhaoqing has two 5A attractions: Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain, collectively called Star Lake Scenic Area. They are 16 kilometers apart, connected by shuttle bus, with a joint ticket costing 120 yuan.

Seven Star Crags has been a popular travel destination since the Tang Dynasty. A classic karst landscape, it features peak forests, lakes, caves, and rock inscriptions, known as the foremost wonder south of the Five Ridges.

Inside, I first took a cruise boat to the main spots, then hopped on a bamboo raft for a close-up view of the seven crags. Drifting along the beautiful scenery on a raft—what a pleasure!

These trees grow naturally in the water; there are many in the park. The guide said their leaves change color with each season.

This is the Sleeping Buddha inside the scenic area, reportedly Asia's second-largest natural reclining Buddha. Looking closely, it really does resemble one.

Here's a karst cave, not very long. A boatman took me inside and provided commentary—quite interesting.

Then, at the park entrance, I hopped on a shuttle bus to Dinghu Mountain.

Established in 1956, Dinghu Mountain is China's first nature reserve. Its greatest feature is rich plant diversity, earning it the nickname 'natural oxygen bar'. There's a giant bronze ding weighing 16 tons, and a 2-ton Duan inkstone, both Guinness World Records.

This is the central lake area; within the lake is a heart-shaped islet. Looking down from the summit, it's absolutely stunning.

Downstream from the lake is Butterfly Valley, also called Lover's Valley. The scenery is lovely, and the air exceptionally fresh—so pleasant to breathe. This is said to have the highest concentration of negative ions ever measured in China.

Here's Feishuitan Waterfall, a fine sight. Sun Yat-sen visited Dinghu Mountain three times and once swam in this pool with Soong Ching Ling.

Walking about half an hour from the waterfall, you reach Qingyun Temple. Sun Yat-sen once visited and left an inscription.

December 5: Gongbei Port, Macau SAR Government Headquarters, Macau Historic Centre streets, Ruins of St. Paul's (Macau landmark).

After visiting Zhaoqing, I caught an early high-speed train to Zhuhai the next morning. Right outside Zhuhai Railway Station lies Gongbei Port, just a two-to-three-minute walk—so convenient.

Before crossing, I first bought a three-day data package (27 yuan). Since my regular plan doesn't work in Macau and roaming charges are high, the package connects to Macau's local operator CTM after a quick phone setting, saving a lot on internet costs. Once set, my phone screen instantly changed.

Next, I prepared my Macau Health Code. I converted my Guangdong Health Code to the Macau version, which automatically attached my negative NAT result, so I didn't need to show a paper certificate at customs.

Finally, I exchanged 350 Macanese patacas (formerly called Portuguese dollars). There are plenty of exchange booths on both sides of Gongbei; the mainland side felt more official. That day's rate was 100 RMB to 116 patacas and 113 Hong Kong dollars. On the Macau side, small street-side shops offered 118 patacas for 100 RMB.

I crossed from Zhuhai around noon, probably during peak hours—the crowds surged like a tide. The mainland exit used self-service gates, but since it was my first time entering Macau, I had to use the manual channel. Unlike what I'd imagined—the officer asking questions—he just glanced at me and it was done, maybe three seconds. Due to the queue, the whole process took about 20 minutes.

Once in Macau, I took a bus to the hotel. All bus routes cost 6 patacas. As we drove, I noticed that because Macau is small with limited land, old-town streets are very narrow. Even the buses are petite and packed inside. After getting used to the big buses on the mainland, it felt a bit strange.

Also, vehicles are right-hand drive and traffic keeps left, completely opposite to the mainland. It took me a while to adjust.

Macau is composed of three parts: Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island, and Coloane Island. Studying the map, I found the city center and most historical sites are on the Peninsula, Rua do Cunha and famous hotels on Taipa, while Coloane features beaches and scenery.

For convenience, I chose a hotel on the Peninsula, about a five-minute walk to downtown, ten minutes to the historic quarter, fifteen to the Ruins of St. Paul's, facing Macau Tower across the lake, and next to the Portuguese Consul General's residence and a Portuguese villa district. The setting was especially lovely.

After all, this was an overseas trip, and I wanted to see how good Macau really is, so I booked a five-star hotel—my second time in one. When I entered the room, it even had a tiny courtyard. Everything was fantastic, exceeding expectations. Truly wonderful; I wished I could stay longer.

This is the Macau SAR Government Headquarters, small and understated, completely different from mainland government buildings.

Leaving the hotel, a ten-minute walk brought me to the historic quarter, packed with famous historical sites and souvenir shops.

I'd always heard that Macau-style pork chop buns are famous. While wandering the quarter, I bought one for 20 patacas—quite large, it filled me up.

Macau's litter bins look like this.

And this is the landmark Ruins of St. Paul's. Originally the facade of St. Paul's Church built in 1604, the church was destroyed by fire, leaving only this front wall.

On the way back to the hotel, I stumbled upon a street performance and stayed to listen for over 20 minutes. They sang in Portuguese with a heartfelt, cheerful style.

Here's a casual night shot of Macau. Not as grand as the Bund, but still very beautiful.

December 6 itinerary: Maritime Museum, Moorish Barracks, Mandarin's House, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Augustine's Church, Leal Senado Building, St. Dominic's Church, Macau Tower.

This is the Moorish Barracks. During Portuguese rule, the government hired many Indians as police, and this was their barracks, built in Islamic style.

This is Dom Pedro V Theatre, built in 1860, China's first Western-style theater.

St. Augustine's Church, dating from 1591, is of European Renaissance style and one of the largest local congregations.

When I arrived, about 300 worshippers were already inside. I quickly found the last remaining seat in the back row. Despite the crowd, it was exceptionally quiet—quieter than any corporate meeting I've attended. Everyone listened silently as the choir sang hymn after hymn; I heard 'Hallelujah' several times.

Then, quite unexpectedly, everyone suddenly stood up (I hurriedly stood too), bowed their heads solemnly, and listened to someone speaking at the front—neither English nor Cantonese, probably Portuguese. All of a sudden, they made the sign of the cross and exclaimed 'Amen' in unison, then recited prayers and sang a hymn together. After one hymn, they listened to another speaker, then repeatedly sang 'Hallelujah'—the melody was very beautiful.

There followed a holy water blessing and several kneeling prayers. The whole service lasted about an hour, and I fully participated, listening and praying along. The atmosphere was wonderful; I felt my heart grow much calmer. A truly great experience.

This is the Leal Senado Building, originally the Municipal Council, built in 1784 in Baroque style.

St. Dominic's Church, dating from 1587, also Baroque, houses over 300 precious relics.

A service was underway there, too, led by a foreign priest. About a hundred people were present, mostly foreigners; everything was in English.

The hymn singing was especially beautiful, led by a woman singing in English with an operatic voice. The ethereal hymns resonated through the church, solemn and sacred.

At lunch, I made a point of dining at a five-star hotel to sample Macau's cuisine. The service was impeccable, the dishes numerous and exquisite. I ate a lot—a bit too much, actually.

In the afternoon, I strolled along the lake to walk off that oversized lunch. After half a circuit, I reached Macau Tower. I went up to the revolving restaurant at the top, enjoyed afternoon tea, and took in the Macau scenery under the clear sky. The panorama was breathtaking.

December 7 itinerary: Rua do Cunha, PLA Macau Garrison Military Exhibition Hall, The Venetian, The Parisian, Studio City, A-Ma Temple, Wynn Tree of Prosperity, Mount Fortress, Macau Museum.

Morning: I took a bus to Taipa, first visiting Rua do Cunha, Macau's pedestrian street for souvenirs and local snacks. I arrived too early—most shops were still closed.

After a ten-minute walk, I reached the famous Venetian Macao. Inside is a replica of Venice's Grand Canal, a must-visit Instagram spot. Since it was early, there was hardly anyone around; the gondolas quietly awaited their gondoliers.

Next was The Parisian Macao, with a faithfully scaled-down Eiffel Tower right in front—very eye-catching.

Then Studio City, featuring a figure-eight-shaped Ferris wheel on the hotel facade, truly unique.

After touring the big hotels, I took a bus back to the Peninsula. This is A-Ma Temple, built during the Ming dynasty, the oldest temple in Macau.

Leaving the temple, I wandered to the downtown Wynn Hotel, where the famous Tree of Prosperity is housed inside a giant golden dome. It rises on the hour, and the presentation is said to be magnificent, dazzling, and brilliant.

But I waited for the hour, and the tree never rose—perhaps due to the pandemic.

From Wynn, I walked about 20 minutes to Mount Fortress, built in 1617 as the core of Macau's old defensive system, with over 30 copper cannons.

My original plan was to fly directly back to Dalian from Zhuhai after Macau, but the airline notified me of a flight change, so I had to connect through Nanjing.

On the afternoon of December 7, I re-entered the mainland via Gongbei Port. Compared to noon, the crowds were much smaller; the crossing took only about 10 minutes. Before entering the mainland, I checked out the duty-free shop: Zhonghua cigarettes were only 320 Hong Kong dollars per carton—a real bargain.

December 8 itinerary: Nanjing's Oriental Metropolitan Museum, Jiangsu Art Museum, Pilu Temple, Confucius Temple scenic area.

I've been to Nanjing many times. After landing, I took the metro to the Oriental Metropolitan Museum, which focuses on the history of the Six Dynasties. It's not large but informative.

Right next door is the Jiangsu Art Museum, home to many paintings. I popped in to take a look.

After the museum, a ten-minute walk brought me to Pilu Temple, famous for its ginkgo trees. I was a bit late; most leaves had already fallen, leaving a scene of faded, wistful beauty.

In the afternoon, the airline notified me again: my flight to Dalian was delayed until evening. With plenty of time, I slowly wandered to the Confucius Temple scenic area to look around.

Late at night, the plane touched down safely in Dalian. As soon as I stepped out of the airport, a chill hit me. Checking the temperature, it was already below zero. Well, here I was, experiencing that sudden leap from summer straight into winter once again!

And that is the story of my trip to Macau. I found it a wonderful place, and I think I'll go again.

Thanks for reading!