Macao sits on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta in southern Guangdong Province, sharing its borders with the city of Zhuhai to the North and the vibrant city of Hong Kong to the west. Macao has three distinct regions: the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.
The Macao Peninsula is the heart of the territory and is connected to Taipa by a network of bridges. Located between Taipa and Coloane are modern hotel resorts, state-of-the-art infrastructure and Macao’s historical architecture.
The city’s rich history traces back to the mid-16th century when Portuguese explorers arrived and settled in the region. Today, the city showcases this fusion of culture through art, religious practices, traditions, incredible food, and vibrant communities that mirror the integration of Chinese, Western, and Portuguese cultures.
In December 1999, the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China operated autonomously under the “One country, two systems” principle. Since then, Macao has been growing through land reclamation projects and the expansion of attractions for tourism. In 2005, the Historic Centre of Macao joined the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its exceptional historical and cultural significance.
Today, Macao is emerging as a top-tier international tourist destination. Its unique strategic location in Guangdong Province, its proximity to Hong Kong and the unique blend of cultures and rich history makes it a must-visit destination.
There are various ports of entry by air, land, or by sea that makes it very convenient to visit Macao. The easiest way for international travelers to get to Macao is through the Macau International Airport, which offers direct flights from countries in Asia, Europe and America. The Hong Kong International Airport also connects to many countries, and is another popular option for travelers looking for an extended vacation.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge allows travelers to take shuttle bus routes from Hong Kong and other major cities in Guangdong, or arrive via ferry from Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Zhuhai at any of Macao’s 3 ferry terminals
Macao is home to an estimated 672,800 residents. Over 90% of residents in Macao are ethnic Chinese, with the remaining being Portuguese, Filipino or other nationalities.
Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages of Macao, with Cantonese being the most widely spoken dialect.
For more information about Macao, please visit: Macao Government Tourism Office.
