Macau has quickly become a fantastic holiday destination for those hoping to get started learning the culture and customs of China, although it has many unique aspects worth knowing and visiting. Thanks to how popular this wonderful destination has become, you may be wondering how to see the underlying beauty of such an environment without having to dance around all the tourists in tow.
Never fear, because once you’ve managed your commute through the best route from Hong Kong to Macau, you’ll be sure to enjoy a range of deeply affecting experiences that will give you a rich perspective and fondness for this part of the world.
That’s not to say tourists ruin a travel experience, only that after visiting some of Macau’s fantastic casinos and seeing the wonder of entertainment there, you may feel like taking a small break, but without limiting your vacation.
Let’s consider how you’d go about that:
Visit Coloane Village
If you’re looking to head a little further out, it’s possible to explore Coloane Village, an area that has fewer tourists but still contains the rustic charm of history. Its cobbled streets and well-maintained Portuguese houses speak to how the cultures have blended from its colonial history. This is also found in the St. Francis Xavier church which is a chapel that has stood for over 100 years.
After all the historical sightseeing has been done, you can relax on the Hac Sa beach which is quite unique in that it sports black sand – almost as if you had stepped into the pages of a magical realistic novel. Coloane Village is often known as one of the most beautiful and hidden gems of Macau and serves as a fantastic starting point for the rest of your trip.
A-Ma Temple
It’s true that Macau is often known for its amazing casinos, which is why it’s been named the Vegas of the East. There’s a great time to be had here, and of course, all manner of excitement, including some of the best Asian cuisine, entertainment, and luxurious hotels in the world.
However, once you’ve managed to explore all the hustle and bustle of that experience, heading to A-Ma temple can also be a worthwhile use of your time, helping you transition into a much slower holidaymaking pace. Not only is this a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it dates back to the 15th century.
It also honors Matsu, a goddess thought to protect fishermen from the troubles of the sea. There’s nothing like a unique flavor of religious worship and the beauty of architecture combined to help you understand more about a culture, and the A-Ma temple offers all of that in spades. It’s also peaceful ground, with lush green trees and an open square that will help you relax after all the excitement.
Guia Hill
Macau is dripping with history, and the Guia Fortress at Guia Hill is a perfect place to see that. Right at the summit of the hill you’ll find the fortress, which was a 17th-century military base and fortification that once protected the collection of coastal islands thanks to its incredible views.
This also allows you to get a unique view of Our Lady of Guia, which is considered one of the oldest churches in the area. Not only does this jaw-dropping vista feel wonderful to see up close, but it also frames the coastal islands in a beautiful manner. Macau is a collection of them of course, and so on ground level it’s harder to get the fuller picture of the landscape and how that influences the ocean. From a vantage point like this (even if it takes a little work to find!) you’ll be sure to get a clearer image.
It’s worth mentioning is that if you prefer to avoid tourists, heading to the summit of a large hill can be a good place to start.
Broadway Macau
Sure, Broadway Macau in Taipa is absolutely going to be full of tourists, but given the fantastic Broadway Theatre is located here, these will be tourists with a fantastic reverence for culture and art, willing to go a little out of the way to see spectacular shows.
Not only do these shows present the best of local culture but this area is placed near Taipa village, which has a fantastic museum that helps you explore the history of the colonial architecture nearby while also serving the best fine dining restaurants anywhere in Macau. If you’re looking for a final farewell for your awesome trip, this is a great place to start.
With this advice, you’re sure to avoid tourists using these excellent Macau landmarks.
