Macau Skyline (Photo : Source: cnbc.com)
Since the dawn of time, one aspect of life has been certain: Everything changes, sooner or later. The only given has always been that things, and the world, will never remain the same. This is also true for great civilizations and cities.
Macau, a small Chinese peninsula across the Pearl River Delta area from Hong Kong, is no exception. Under Portuguese control since the middle of the 16th century until December 20, 1999, Macau represents an interesting mix of European and Chinese values. If you're looking for a quiet time with family, or you prefer to travel China off the beaten track, Macau may not be for you. If, however, you're drawn to excitement and the hustle and bustle of great city lights, you may want to plan a trip - or even go spontaneously - to Macau.
From a Historical Perspective
To fully appreciate Macau for the city it is today, one has to look at the past. Macau became a Portuguese colony in the mid-1600s when it was lent to the Portuguese as a trading post and remained, as per the agreement, under Portugal's rule until 1999. It goes without saying that the coexistence of these two nations would make them benefit from and influence each other. Macau, with its influx of investors and visitors from the West, is a truly multi-cultural society as can be evidenced in the eclectic fusion of activities, architectural styles and entertainment on offer. The diversity makes for a wonderful experience.
Property Investment
As an investment destination, Macau, with a population of more than 600,000 in a very small area, is considered to be one of the very best in the world. The city has no restrictions on ownership by foreigners which is a huge incentive for investors from all over the world. Also, Macau does not charge capital gains tax on profits when you sell your investment. Although in very close geographical proximity to Hong Kong, Macau property prices are, on average, much lower compared to similar properties. Because of its limited space, Macau is popular with investors, and reports indicate that rental properties are in high demand.
Entertainment
As is the case with most big cities, Macau offers wonderful activities, from clubs, bars and karaoke evenings to long-running shows. Some of these shows are aimed specifically at patrons who like the bar scene; however, some of these are shows in their own right and attract visitors from all over simply because they appreciate a good show and can afford the luxury. Additionally, there are nature spots which, along with the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion - to which the Chinese mainland donated two new pandas last year - will satisfy your interest in the outdoors and wildlife.
Of course the city offers some very fine spots for lovers of fine cuisine from Trip Advisor, be your choice Portuguese, Italian or Sushi. Try the Vida Rica at Mandarin Oriental, the Comida Portuguesa, the Belcancau (Chinese, Portuguese, Indian etc.) or the Copa Steakhouse, which is happy to call itself a family-oriented establishment. The list is endless, the choice breathtaking.
For many visitors, a night out would not be the same unless they sample some gambling, especially since the casino scene is hugely popular in this region. Macau has been called the Las Vegas of the East and the Monte Carlo of the Orient, and not without good reason. Over the last two decades, casino gaming has exploded and today it attracts millions of punters each year. Some of the biggest names in casino gaming have taken notice of the popularity of gaming in Macau, with Asian and American names featuring alike, such as visionary Steve Wynn, owner of the Wynn resorts in Las Vegas and Macau, which sits among several other popular casinos such as the Casino Lisboa and the MGM Macau. Macau also sees popular gambling and gaming tournaments and is a frequent stop at the PokerStars Asia Pacific Poker Tour whose top 5 winners of all time have a total of over $6,145,500 in earnings. While Australia tops the winners list of the tournament, China comes in second for now, with 8 winners in total.
When you're in Macau, if you sit in your hotel room, miserable, it's your own fault! A night (or a few) out on the town in Macau should make memories to last you a lifetime. Shops stay open till late and the malls are, as they say, "to die for!" So, whether you choose fine dining, relaxing with a massage, attending spectacular shows (or sports events such as boxing and the like), playing some poker or teasing your taste buds, Macau at night is an experience!
Famous Landmarks
The Ruins of St. Paul's is probably this city's most famous landmark, and although the landscape is changing all the time, this site will remain for many, many years a firm favorite with tourists and locals alike. Originally built in the 16th century, it was comprised of St. Paul's College and the Cathedral of St. Paul. The complex burned down more than once and was re-built on more than one occasion. A final fire in 1835 proved too much and all that remains today are the facade and the grand staircase. The Ruins have subsequently been restored into a museum for visitors to enjoy unsurpassed city views from. In fact, the entire historical center of Macau has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.
The Macau Tower, which measures 338m/1,109ft in height, serves as a convention and entertainment center. The observation desk offers restaurants, shops, theatres and unparalleled views across Macau. The Tower is also a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. As opposed to historical sites such as St. Paul's, the Tower was completed in 2001 and officially opened on December 19 of that year. This complex fits in very nicely with the demands of the modern, excitement seeking individual or group. Fancy yourself a bungee jump? You've come to the right place.
Affluence
In 2014, Macau was named the world's most affluent city, affording its residents (both locals and visitors alike) a very high standard of living (according to the Brookings Institution's global report for 2014). It's easy to understand why this could happen. Over the last number of years the city's gaming industry has grown dramatically - so has tourism and the influx of foreign money, resulting in new projects such as property developments, which in turn stimulate job creation and investment opportunities.
Macau has become a fine example of a modern city offering a multitude of opportunities to those who enjoy new, innovative lifestyles and those who are happy to embrace change. It's certainly a city of the future, and it's also one worth visiting.
