Seventy kilometers off Hong Kong and forty-five kilometers away from Guangzhou, Macao used to be a city under the administration of Xiangshan County in Guangdong before it was ceded to Portugal in 1557 as a reward of weeping out pirates endemic to the area. On December 20, 1999, after an absence of more than 400 years, this prodigal sun peacefully returned to China and is now a special administrative region of the PRC.Macau is an extravagant fusion of east and west in lifestyles, architecture and food. The numerous cultural heritages, buildings, even the small alleys around the city bears witness of the transformation the island underwent over the centuries. Macau's prosperity and modernity is epitomized by the district around the Municipal Council. The Archway of St. Paul Church has 
become the symbol of Macau.
become the symbol of Macau. Macau is a globally known casino center and the sophisticated lottery and gambling industry has become one of the main sources of incomes of the region. Another great contribution to the island's annual GDP is the tourism industry.
While the mandarin and Portuguese are the official languages, the Cantonese is the local's daily language and widest spoken. Many of the island's residents are able to understand the mandarin. English is widely used throughout the region.
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AMa TempleThe temple consists of a Main Hall, a Stone Hall, the Hongren Hall (the Great Mercy Hall) and the Avalokitesvara (Goddess of Mercy) hall, all laid out in line with traditional Buddhist temple style. A-Ma Temple represents a testimony to the interlinking of the history of Macao and the A-Ma Temple.
Ruins of St. Paul
Ruins of St. Paul, usually known as "Great Sanba Archway", are the historical site of St. Paul 
Church. Construction of the church began in 1602 and was completed in 1637 with more than 30 years' effort. It once suffered from three fire accidents. The last one broke out on January 1, 1835 and continued for over two hours. The whole church was almost razed to the ground except the front wall, which was later known as "Great Sanba Archway".
Church. Construction of the church began in 1602 and was completed in 1637 with more than 30 years' effort. It once suffered from three fire accidents. The last one broke out on January 1, 1835 and continued for over two hours. The whole church was almost razed to the ground except the front wall, which was later known as "Great Sanba Archway". Monte Fortress
Monte Fortress Castle, known as St. Paul Monte Fortress, Central Monte Fortress, or Great Sanba Monte Fortress, was constructed from 1617 to 1626. It was completed during the ruling years of Emperor Xizong in the Ming Dynasty. Monte Fortress played a very important role in defending Macao against the invasion of Holland.
Macau Maritime MuseumMacau Maritime Museum was built in 1986 on the proposal of Su Lizhi, the Macau Harbour Master at the time. It opened to the public the next year. Macau Maritime Museum consists of an exhibition building, a maritime museum library and an open-air teahouse. The museum was originally served only as office for the administration of the museum before a new exhibition 
building was built to accommodate more exhibits.
building was built to accommodate more exhibits.Lou Lim Iok Garde
Lou Lim Iok Garde -quite delicate in style is the reminiscent of the Suzhou garden. In the garden, there are pools and stone mountains, bridges over flowing streams, pavilions and towers with their shadows reflected in the water, narrow and zigzag corridors, etc. You will absolutely be fascinated by the fantastic Jiangnan (the south and central China) landscapes in the garden.
