Macau Introduction

Welcome toChina GuiLin Tour

+ 10days Beijing & Xi`an & Guilin & Shanghai  tour

Coming Hong Kong             Coming Macau

 Macau The Macao Region, including the Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island, is located south of Guangdong Province at the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary. It is contiguous to Gongpei of Zhuhai City, lying close to the South China Sea in the south. It is separated by a river from Wanchai of Zhuhai City in the west and faces Hong Kong in the east by the sea, with a distance of 42 nautical miles. There are passenger services of jet and other steamers between the two places. Its total area covers 23.5 square kilometers. The Macao Peninsular, Taipa Island and Coloane Island are connected by the Friendship Bridge, Macao-Taipa Bridge and a highway. Being subtropical in the typhoon zone, Macao has a warm and humid weather with plenty of rainfall. Macao has a population of 420,000 , of whom 97% are Chinese, 11,000 locally-born Portuguese and over 2,000 Portuguese.
   The present political structure was formed in accordance with "the Organic Statue of Portugal" promulgated by Portugal in l976. While the governor of Macao has always been appointed by the Portuguese president and Macao's judiciary is governed by Portuguese laws, the Macao regional government enjoys autonomy in the administrative, economic, financial and legislative affairs. Now Macao is gradually moving towards achieving judicial independence. It has set up a high court and except for individual cases, normally final adjudication is made in local courts. The sovereign organs of Portugal are represented in the territory by the governor (According to "the Organic Statue of Portugal", the governor is equivalent to a minister of the Portuguese government).
    At present, the Portuguese Macao government consists of the Governor and seven Secretaries (Secretary for Economic Coordination, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Secretary for Justice, Secretary for Social Affairs and Budget, Secretary for Administration, Education and Youth, Secretary for Public Security and Secretary for Communications, Tourism and Culture). The Constitution of Portugal provides that the Portuguese Macao Government is accountable to the Portuguese President.
    The Macao Legislative Assembly comprises 23 members, 8 elected directly, 8 indirectly, 7 appointed by the Governor. Members serve for four years. The present 6th Legislative Assembly was formed in September, l996. Both the Assembly and Governor have legislative powers.
     The Macao Consultative Council is a consultative organ for the Governor, who nominates the members. The Council is made up of senior officials of the Portuguese Macao government and celebrities from all circles in Macao.
                        
    Macao is a free port. It used to have such handicraft industries as firecrackers, matches and incense burners for worships, with gambling as the mainstay over many years. From mid-l960's to mid-l980's, with the rapid growth of Macao's economy led by the export-oriented manufacturing industry, a multiple economic structure came into being with the export-oriented manufacturing industry, tourist and casino industry, financial industry, real estate and building industry as the pillar. Beginning from the l990's Macao's economy entered a period of readjustment with its growth rate slowing down. In l998, the annual total volume of output was about 56.2 billion Pat, a drop by 6.3% from 1997. The import and export trade volume totaled 32.7 billion Pat, a drop by 3% from l997. The volume of export was l7.l billion Pat and that of import 15.6 billion Pat, striking a favorable trade balance of l.5 billion Pat. The tourist industry also witnessed a zero growth. A total of 6.95 million people toured Macao, representing a decrease of 0.7% from l997. At the end of l998, bank savings reached 101.001 billion Pat, an increase of 7.2% from l997. Bank loans reached 53.893 billion Pat, a drop by 1.08% from l997. The rate of inflation stood at 0.17%, a drop by 3.33% from l997. The rate of unemployment climbed to 5.4%, an increase of 2.2% from l997.
    The former Portuguese enclave, Macau retains its air of Southern European dignity with its open air cafes, public squares, places with quaint Portuguese names, lots of Portuguese restaurants and the occasional palm tree. Macau has a colonial past 300 years longer than Hong Kong's but it has somehow managed to preserve its superb collection of historic buildings and crumbling backstreets. Do make it a point to see the beautiful Baroque churches, old fortresses and the culturally-rich mansion houses. They stand proud amongst the newer high-rise hotels, wide highways, concrete bridges and elegant casinos - which is what Macau is really famous for!
    Having made its fortune from the gaming tables, Macau is one prosperous place today, as can be seen from the large-scale construction and from its airport. In Macau, blackjack, roulette and poker are just a few of the names of the game!

    Country Parks Despite its concrete façade, Hong Kong is still very much eco-friendly; in fact 75% of its areas are lovely green countryside. As such, it has much to offer its residents and visitors in terms of outdoor recreation and fabulous views.
    With its lush vegetation, Hong Kong has an impressive variety of marine and wildlife, especially on its many outlying beaches. Most of these are uninhabited but some are accessible, and visitors can spend some glorious time in the wild, admiring the many birds and animals that call Hong Kong their home.
    Hong Kong's country parks are also ideal for hiking as there are extensive trails with fantastic views. Half-day hike or a whole day one - its your call.

     TOURS & CRUISES Another attractive feature in Hong Kong is the novel way tourists can go sightseeing. Tours and cruises are available and are a wonderful, relaxing way to see the sights. Just sign up for one (or two or more) of the cruises that are available, and you'll be taken to certain areas of Hong Kong. Some of these cruises come with a dinner package and the stunning views will leave you speechless with wonder. Join a guided tour of the city or take a helicopter ride for a thrilling aerial view over mountains, towns and the harbour.

    Rocks of Ages ... and ages ago Day after day, the woman makes her way up the hill over looking the sea, her baby cradled at her bosom. Day after day, she looks out, hoping to see her husband return from the sea. And day after day, the fisherman's wife waits in vain for her husband never returns. She waits until this day, or so the locals say, because the Gods had turned her to stone because they took pity on her sad, lonely vigil.
    This is the famous rock known as the Amah Rock in the New Territories, and it resembles a woman cradling a baby and nearby is the Lion Rock, named such for very obvious reasons. Some might say that Hong Kong is a barren, rocky place but this is not quite true, as the rocks have nurtured the imaginations of the people.
    Rock carvings in Hong Kong add to the mystical beauty of the hills. Relics from the Bronze Age, 3,000 years ago, most of them overlook the sea and bear geometric patterns similar to those found on pottery and bronze vessels of that period. In some, one can see vague hints of human or animal figures, thought to represent their gods or goddesses and tribal totems. And in front of them, there are platforms and ledges.
    Only think, could there have been sacred holy gatherings, sacrifices to the gods, rites of passage performed here? Or could the ancient people have prayed, given offerings or even exchanged vows here? What mystery! If only the rocks could speak, what stories they would tell. As it is, the carved surfaces of the rocks only make us wonder even more about the ancient people who used to live there.
    There are many carvings to be found in Hong Kong. Eight of them, in Shek Pik, Cheung Chau, Po Toi, Wong Chuk Hang, Big Wave Bay, Lung Ha Wan, Kau Sai Chau and Tung Lung, are protected by the Antiquities and Monuments Office. Of these, the carving in Tung Lung is Hong Kong's largest and features a dragon.

   Ascott of the east The Chinese business acumen is world-renowned, sometimes for its sheer audacity in taking risks. This risk-taking seems to have translated itself into the leisure activities of the people. And this is why horseracing is such a popular sport in Hong Kong. Racing season is from September to June every year, with prestigious events like the Hong Kong International Races, Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong Derby. Usually, races are held on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday evenings. There are two racing courses in Hong Kong, Happy Valley on Hong Kong island and Sha Tin in the New Territories.
     Why not be one of the 54,000 excited spectators at the recently renovated Happy Valley Race Course, especially when the races are held at night. The tracks take on a magical look when it is illuminated by numerous spotlights. But if you're not into betting, you could always find out about the history of horse racing in Hong Kong which started in the 1840's at the Hong Kong Racing Museum. This museum is made all the more authentic because it is located at the Happy Valley track and it tells the love story between man and horses through its eight galleries and showcase cinema. The historic Jockey's Club, which promotes the sport, is also to be found there, It is quite an uncommon thing that a racecourse should be an attraction to non-gamblers, but in Sha Tin, it is just so. It is one of the best racetracks in the world, and can seat 85,000 but visitors must obtain special admission badges to enter the visitors' Box or the Betting Lounge. Prestigious indeed but those outside are not left out either as there are huge computer-controlled display panels tell enthusiasts which horses have won. The Sha Tin Racecourse also has something for non-gamblers. Their main attraction is at the heart of the racecourse. Penfold Park - a lovely landscaped bird sanctuary and parkland where one can recover from the adrenaline generated by the all that excitement at the tracks.
    All in all, watching majestic beasts thundering down the tracks, racing for supremacy, is something awesome to behold. And in Hong Kong, the superb racecourses and bloodlines make a day at the races an experience to remember. Beaches
    The sound of waves rustling as it breaks on the shore, the feel of water gently lapping at your feet, the kiss of the sun on your skin and the soft touch of the breeze…are perfect conditions for a wonderfully relaxing day at one of Hong Kong's beaches - some crowded, some secluded, mostly romantic and all breath-taking!
    Two very well known and popular beaches on Hong Kong island are Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, one leading to the other. Located on the southern coast of the island, both are easily accessible.
The beauty of Deep Water Bay starts even before you reach the beach; the road leading to the beach is lined by trees dotted with bright red flame of the forest flowers, and overlooking the cliffs are stately mansions. The beach is right next to the annexe of the Hong Kong Golf Club. There are refreshment kiosks, toilets and lifeguard service every April to October, the official swimming season.
    From Deep Water Bay, there is a lovely little pathway that leads to Repulse Bay, where two large statues of the compassionate goddesses, Kuan Yin and Tin Hau, grace the terraces of the Life Guards' Club and look over swimmers as they frolick in the water and the life guards as they patrol the beaches. Finally, above the beach is a very picturesque scene of early 20th century architecture.
    A little way down is South Beach Bay, which is one of Hong Kong island's most secluded spots for some sunbathing. This beach is just a little out of the way, so there are fewer people. Nevertheless, it comes with good facilities Shek O is another popular weekend seaside destination, for who can ever resist being a part of a pretty picture? And indeed, Shek O from the surrounding hills above looks like an old Chinese community. But it doesn't only look like an old Chinese village, it really feels like one, too, and its traditional and rustic atmosphere is a striking comparison with the opulent millionaires' mansions that dot the hills.
   Over at the New Territories, Clear Water Bay is all about idyllic sandy coves and country parkland surrounded by high hills. The two beaches there come complete with facilities. Fancy riding the waves? Then make a beeline for Tai Long Wan Beach in Sai Kung Country Park. There is not one, nor two, but three beautiful beaches here, all connected by scenic walking trails. Tai Long Wan Beach is not only a surfer's paradise, it also adds romance to a courting couple with its wild beach with fenced by glorious hills which hide a really stunning beach.

    The outlying islands also have some ideal beaches. On Lamma island, Lo So Shing Beach is closest to Sok Kwu Wan, one of the villages where one can tuck into a hearty seafood meal straight from the sea, after spending a blissful day on cozy sands shaded by trees. Pui O Beach and Cheung Sha Upper Beach are two of the best on Lantau island, located on its southern shore.
    White sand with mountains as a backdrop, these two beaches make a wonderful place to get together with the family, as refreshments, accommodation and toilets are close at hand. And if you'd like to rough it out, then set up camp on one of the campsites there and hire a bicycle to go around this picturesque island.

   Themed Attractions Places with special themes are ever so much fun; they are wonderful places to while away many happy hours with family and friends. Restaurants, a shopping centre, parks. And Hong Kong has the largest entertainment park in Southeast Asia. As if that is not enough, Disneyland is to be opened in 2005! What more can the young and the young at heart ask for in Hong Kong?

   Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom Not only is Ocean Park the largest theme park in Hong Kong, it is also the largest in South East Asia, with the second largest outdoor escalator system. Opened in 1997, Ocean Park has a host of attractions that will have everyone distracted for a good many hours or even days.

    The latest attraction on Ocean Park is Pacific Pier, which highlights the natural habitat of the sea lions and seals. Modeled after the coasts of California, visitors will have the chance to observe the animals at play from an underwater viewing tunnel. Over at Marine Land, Atoll Reef, the largest reef aquarium in the world, is quite a hit and it has over 4,000 fishes from 400 species; its popular resident being a six-foot long 80-year old giant grouper. At the transparent Shark Aquarium, visitors will get to marvel at the 250 predatory fishes as well as rays through its underwater viewing tunnel. Ocean Theatre will have you mesmerized with the antics of dolphins and seals and high divers during its spectacular shows.
     Getting up to the highland attractions is just as much fun. One can use the escalator or take the 10-minute cable car ride with breath-taking views. At the Headland Rides, the Dragon roller coaster, the largest in Hong Kong, awaits, as do the other thrilling rides.
    There is another roller coaster in Adventureland, the Wild Wild West of Ocean Park. The Lowland Gardens are home to the Butterfly House, the Goldfish Pagoda, the Dinosaur Discovery Trail and two adorable giant pandas, An An and Jia Jia. Find out about old legends at the Discovery of Ancient World and be thrilled at Film Fantasia, the simulator ride.
    Kids' World has everything the children have ever dreamt about - rides of every sort, on trains and merry-go-rounds. They'll also get to learn all about caring for marine animals at the Dolphin University. The Bird Paradise has aviaries for our 2,000 of our feathered friends of 200 species, many of which are endangered. Elegant flamingoes and their babies can be seen wading at the Flamingo Pond while the Bird Theatre shows off the talents of the intelligent birds.
    History comes alive in the Middle Kingdom, which tells of the 13 Chinese dynasties spanning 5,000 years in full-size replicas of buildings and scenes throughout the times. Performances featuring lion dances, acrobatics, cultural dances and magic shows are held at the Empress Theatre four times a day. Restaurants and novelty gifts shops are ready to cater to hungry visitors and those looking for souvenirs. All in, Ocean Park is one amazing way to spend to have a lovely time.

   Aw Boon Haw Gardens Once upon a time, there was a man named Aw Boon Haw and he was a medicine seller. He sold the Eastern cure-all rub, the Tiger Balm, and he became so rich, he constructed a garden, whimsical and fantastic that he wished to share with the people of Hong Kong. A peaceful place, landscaped and peopled with statues depicting ancient Chinese myths. Entrance is free.

   Lantau Disneyland Mickey comes to Hong Kong, and so does the whole of Disneyland! Due to be opened in 2005 on Lantau island, this theme park brings its own special brand of magic to touch the lives of the people of South East Asia, with its many, many thrilling rides and magical atmosphere that'll have many people wishing upon a star to be able to visit the park.

    Themed Restaurants Kids will be very pleased with the "Hello Kitty" restaurant while nature lovers will probably think that the "Rainforest Café" is really cool and those with stars in their eyes could head for the "Star East" where dinner will be an unforgettable experience, especially those who are fans of the Hong Kong entertainment scene as they may just find that they will be having dinner with their idols. Kung fu buffs will no doubt have a marvelous time at the "Bruce Lee" restaurant.

    The Whampoa The Whampoa is actually an entertainment centre-cum-themed shopping complex in the unusual shape of a 110 metre long boat. It is "moored" at the Hung Hom district. Festivals

    Chinese New Year Hong Kong comes alive during the Chinese Lunar New Year. Fireworks and festive lights fill the city and on the eve, families and friends gather for a reunion dinner. To usher in the new year, debts are cleared and new clothes are bought. Decorations adorn shops and houses while light displays brighten up the streets in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. Lion dance performances and parades are highlights of the festivities and seasonal foods like mandarin oranges are sold in the shops.
    Spring Lantern (Yuen Siu) Festival Known as the Chinese St. Valentine's Day, the Spring festival falls on the 15th day of the lunar new year, marking the end of New Year celebrations. In the past, it was a day for unmarried young ladies in their best outfit to venture out to places where eligible bachelors were gathered.
    Ching Ming Festival or "Remembrance of Ancestors Day" is a day when families visit cemeteries to clean their ancestors' graves and make offerings in respect of them. Tuen Ng Festival Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a national hero drowned himself in protesting against a corrupt government. In attempts to scare away the fish who were about to eat him, villagers started beating drums and throwing dumplings into the water to distract the fish. The legend is replayed on this day in various celebrations and dragon boat races are held, amidst the rhythmic beating of drums.