City Introduction

Macau is situated in the southeast coastal area of Mainland China. Over the past four hundred years, this was the place for fusion of Chinese and western cultures. If you are careful enough, you may understand the cultural quintessence for the Chinese-western fusion from the the details, designs and patterns of the old buildings. Particularly in the historical urban area, those existing and still vigorous old buildings embody the enigma for the extension of cultural heritage in Macau.

Macau covers 29.2km2, which is only one fortieth that of Hong Kong. But Macau constantly attracts the guests from around the world, some for the delicious food here, some for its ancient buildings, some for its holy churches, and some for its gambling industry with luxury and dissipation.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

In 1849, the Portuguese colonists occupied Macau Peninsula, Typa Island and Coloane Island. In 1887, the Portuguese colonists wrote the expression of “occupation and government of Macau and its dependencies by Portugal” in “Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking”. In December 1887, the Government of the Qing Dynasty signed “Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Amity and Commerce” with Portugal, in which the proposition in “Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking” related to Macau was reconfirmed. In April 1928, the Chinese Government notified Portugal of the termination of “Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Amity and Commerce”. In June 1986, China and Portugal held the first round of talk about Macau in Beijing. In April 1987, the Chinese Government and the Portuguese Government signed “Joint Declaration on the Question of Macau”, stating that, The Macau Region (including Macau Peninsula, Typa Island and Coloane Island) is the territory of China, and China will resume the exercise of sovereignty upon Macau since December 20, 1999.

Special historical background of Macau allows coexistence and harmonious development of Chinese and Western cultures here, so it serves as the bridge for the exchange of western and eastern cultures. The ancient buildings in the historical urban area of Macau embody the fusion of the Chinese and western cultures here and there. The fusion of the Chinese and western cultures is most typically reflected in the daily life of the Macau people, and in every traditional festival, Chinese or western, there must be the celebration activities in Macau.

The Chinese in Macau will celebrate the traditional Chinese festivals, such as Chinese Spring Festival, Pure Brightness Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Double Ninth Festival (Chung Yeung Festival) and Mid-Autumn Festival. Particularly in Chinese Spring Festival of lunar calendar, from the new year’s eve till the very early morning of the first day of lunar year, the Macau people swarm into A-Ma Temple in large number, praying for prosper and peace in the coming year. The Temple is very boisterous. In every Dragon Boat Festival of lunar calendar, there are the dragon boat competitions on the sea surface of New Port, sea surface of Reservoir Bend, and the opposite sea surface of Sai Van Lake.

In addition, in some festivals related to the western religions and traditional customs, such as “Macau Procession Of The Passion Of Our Lord”, “Our Lady of Fatime Parade in Macau”, “A-Ma Festival”, and “Feast of Drunken Dragon and Lion Dance” and so on, there must be the celebration activities. Or the temporary stage is set up for the performance of Cantonese opera in the open air, or the religious Mass is held in the church and the procession of the passion of the God, in various forms, fully reflecting the bridge role of Macau in the exchange of Chinese and western cultures.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Altitude

The lowest point of Macau SAR lies at the sea level of the South China Sea, with the altitude of 0 m. The highest point stands at Koloane Alto with the altitude of 172.4m.

Climate

Macau has the subtropical monsoon climate and also has the characteristics of tropical climate, with annual average temperature of about 22.3°C, and the annual temperature difference of 11-14°C. In 2007, the annual average temperature was 23.2°C. It is humid and rainy in the spring and summer, the relative humidity is lower and it rains less in the autumn and winter. Typhoon happens from May to October, particularly from July to September.

 

 

 

 

Climate Change

Autumn is the season most suitable for travel in Macau, generally from October to December, when it is mild and sunny, with low humidity.

Macau is situated in the coastal area with the climate characterized by being warm, rainy, hot-wet and obviously distinct dry and wet seasons, and being foggy in the spring, hot and rainy in the summer, and slightly dry and cold in the winter. But in the winter, the lowest temperature is over 5°C, and the autumn is the second dry season, when it is suitable for travel.

The summer (May-September) is the low season for travel in Macau (rainy season). In Macau, it is somewhat hot in the summer, but it is the high season to go swimming and walking in the waves in Black Sand Beach. In Macau, typhoon may happen in the summer. When typhoon approaches Macau and the No. 8 balloon is hung, the flights and boats to and from Hong Kong and Macau will be temporarily stopped, and the Macau-Taipa Bridge and Taipa and Coloane Continuity Road might be temporarily closed. When going to Macau in this period, it is required to notice the change of weather. In the summer, it is only required to wear light cotton dresses or T-shirt; in the winter, it is relatively cold, and it is required to prepare woolen clothes and overcoats; in the spring and autumn, it is slightly cool, and it is proper to wear sweater or jacket.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

Language

Chinese and Portuguese are the current official languages. Cantonese is commonly used by the locals in daily life, but many residents understand Mandarin. English is also well accepted in Macau and can be used on many occasions.

Power Socket

The voltage in Macau is 220V, and the socket is of British standard (same as in Hong Kong), so the recharger from the Mainland China shall be equipped with the power adaptor, and some hotels will provide the power adaptors.

Network

1. Internet access is available in the public libraries, some hotels and coffee bars in Macau.

2. In Macau, there is “WiFi GO” service, providing the Macau citizens and tourists with free WiFi access. Once there is the sign of “WiFi GO”, it means that you are within the range of WiFi coverage, where you may use WiFi free of charge. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. of the next day, every user may have 45-minute wireless internet access per time in the form of non-encrypted access or encrypted access. The non-encrypted access network name: wifigo. The encrypted access network name: wifigo-s, with the log-in name and password: wifigo.

Post Office and Postcard

There is the sound postal service in Macau. General Post Office is situated in Senado Square, providing the service of mailing and express delivery to other places in the world. Consulting Tel.: 0853-323666. Business Hours of General Post Office: 9:00 to 18:00 for Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturday. Post Office hours in Harbor and Airport: 10:00- 19:00 for Monday to Saturday. Consulting Tel.: 0853-323666

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

Hong Kong and Macau. The fabrication period of the electronic pass is unchanged, and the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau (paper version) and Endorsement to Enter and Exit Hong Kong and Macau (sticker version) may be used within the validity period. Holders of the paper-based Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau may continue to apply for sticker endorsements to and from Hong Kong and Macau or apply for electronic version of Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau.

Type of visa

Before going to Macau, you must apply for the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau in advance and get different endorsements according to the applications; most tourists of self-guided tour apply for the “personal tour and visit endorsement” (G endorsement); tourists in cities where self-guided tour is not launched can only apply for L visa for group tour.

The endorsements for travel to Hong Kong and Macau are classified into four categories:

L endorsement: That is, tour endorsement, limited for the group entry-exit tour, with the validity period of 7 days;

G endorsement: That is, individual tour endorsement, for one or two entries into Hong Kong or Macau, each stay with no more than 7 days;

S endorsement: Namely the business visa, holder of which may travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong or Macau repeatedly within 3 months, with each stay up to 7 days;

T endorsement: That is, family reunion endorsement, which is classified into three categories: Once per month, once per 3 months and multiple times per 3 months.

Required materials for handling the procedures of endorsement:

Original copies and photocopies of ID card, household register or other household certificates, and four 2-inch colored bareheaded photos;

Charging criteria: RMB 100/Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau; RMB 20/ first valid endorsement (to be charged upon the permit collection).

Notes:

1. If those holding valid Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau apply for individual tour endorsement, it is required to provide the original of Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau and the copy of the ID card, and one 2-inch colored photo with light-color background.

2. When the remaining validity period of Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau is less than three (3) months, the endorsement application will not be accepted by the Entry-Exit Administration Office.

3. Business Time: 9:00-17:00 (Monday to Saturday). The permit application takes 10 working days.

4. Office place for handling the permit: The district-level Entry-Exit Administration Offices.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Macau's official currency unit is Macau Pataca (MOP). Goods sold and services provided in Macau are all paid using MOP. It is very convenient for tourists because the banks and hotels provide currency exchange services. In addition, the Macau International Airport and the Hotel Lisboa provide 24-hour currency exchange service. In Macau, HK dollars can be used directly, without exchange. But RMB can only be directly used in some places, but usually is not accepted when paying fares and buying goods at many stores. Credit cards can be used in some stores in Macau.

 

 

 

 

Tourism Service Number

Important Telephone Numbers

Macau Tourism Hotline: 0853-28333000 (24-hour hotline; you can choose Cantonese, mandarin, English, Portuguese or Japanese)

Macau Government Tourist Office: 0853-28315566，28513355

Macau Health Bureau: 0853-28562404

Macau Barrier Gate Building: 0853-28439310

Macau International Airport: 0853-28861111

Bus Inquiry: 0853-28271122 0853-28850060

Taxi Call Service: 0853-28519519，28939939，85000000，28283283

Internet Service Hotline: 0853-28283883

 

 

 

 

Notes

Special Notes

1. From May to September, it's hot and typhoon happens sometimes in Macau. When typhoon approaches Macau and the No. 8 balloon is hung, two Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridges and Taipa and Coloane Continuity Road might be temporarily closed; the flights and boats to and from Hong Kong and Macau will be temporarily cancelled.

2. The Macau gambling industry implements the new ban, prohibiting any person aged under 21 from entering any gaming place. No ID card is required before entering a casino after the new ban comes into effect.

Mobile City Guide

Macau has set up a mobile website specifically targeted for tourists, providing the news about Macau and the world, latest events, shopping, restaurants, hotels, bus routes, sailing dates, flights, emergency and useful telephone numbers, weather information and so on, in four languages, that is, traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English and Portuguese. Mobile Website URL: http: //m.cityguide.gov.mo

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

Festivals

In addition to the Chinese traditional folk festivals, Macau also attaches great importance to many other festivals related to local religions and customs.

Feast of the God Tou Tei (the Earth god)

Time: the 2nd day of the 2nd month of each year in the lunar calendar; Feast of the God Tou Tei is a festival for Macau people to celebrate the God Tou Tei.

In Macau, the local people commonly worship the God Tou Tei, often burning the frankincense for him. In front many stores and doors of the residents, there are the memorial tablets for the God Tou Tei, and there are many temples of the God Tou Tei, in which the Ancestral Temple of Fok Tak at Horta e Mitra is most famous. In every Feast of the God Tou Tei, a large number of believers consecrate the God at home, and swarm into the temples of the God Tou Tei for worship. “Feast of the God Tou Tei” is solemnized every year by the residents living at Horta e Mitra, where the people celebrate the birthday of the God Tou Tei by thanking the God with gold pig, asking the theatrical troupe to perform the Operas for Deities as the ritual performance and holding Cantonese opera concert etc..

Macau Procession Of The Passion Of Our Lord

Time: March

Macau Procession Of The Passion Of Our Lord was originally a ritual in the Southern Europe, which has been inherited by Macau since the 16th century. The Procession lasts for two days. During this Macau religious celebration, an icon of Christ carrying the cross is taken in solemn procession from St. Augustine’s Church to the Cathedral for an overnight vigil. In the next day, it is then carried by the priests back to St. Augustine’s Church.

Feast of Pak Tai

Time: March 3 of the lunar calendar

Pak Tai is also called God Xuan Wu, who was said to rule the north. It is also the God of Water. In the past, most persons living in Taipa Island were fishermen, who particularly worshipped Pak Tai mastering the water family. So the Pak Tai Temple was built in the local place, as the only temple consecrating Pak Tai in Macau. During the festival, the grand celebration activities are held.

A-Ma Festival

Time: April in solar calendar or March 3 of lunar calendar

A-Ma is also called, Tin Hau and Matsu. It was said that “Macau” got its name from this goddess. The fishermen went fishing in South China Sea. Suddenly squally thunderstorm came. Finally, A-Ma was reincarnated as a lady to appease the thunderstorm, helped the people out of danger and enabled them to reach the Port of Hoi Keang safely. The fishermen built a temple- A-Ma Temple on the place where they got ashore, to consecrate A-Ma. A-Ma is mostly respected by the Macau residents. The Tin Hau temples can be seen here and there. In the home of the residents, particularly in every boat of the fisherman and boat people, Tin Hau is consecrated by every one. In this festival every time, the people go to worship in the Tin Hau Temple, and hold grand memorial activities. On this day, all Tin Hau Temples in Macau are very boisterous with the swarming of the people.

Buddha’s Birthday

Time: April 8 of the lunar calendar

Buddha’s Birthday was originally the “birthday of Sakyamuni” in Buddhism. According to the custom, the “bathing the Buddha” activity is held in the Buddhist temples in Macau: The monks bath the Buddha with pouring fragrant water, and hold Buddha Festival, symbolizing the birth of Maitreya. This is an important celebration ceremony in Buddhism.

Drunken Dragon Festival

Time: May

Drunken Dragon Festival is an important festival in Macau. Drunken Dragon Festival is a traditional festival of the fishery association. The fishery people hold Drunken Dragon and Lion Dance every year. They make the procession in Macau in the form of drunken dragon dance, dancing while drinking wine, looking like the seemingly drunken dragon. It is very interesting.

Tam Kung’s Birthday

Time: May

Tam Kung’s Birthday is the festival to celebrate the birthday of Tam Kung. It is said that Tam Kung was a cowboy when he was young, and then is reincarnated as a child when making a presence. He forecasted the weather or treated the diseases for the fishermen, and was another god of sea deeply worshipped by the fishermen, second to Matsu. On every birthday, the grand celebration activity is held in front of Tam Kung Temple in Coloane, including Cantonese Opera, procession and drunken dragon dance, etc.

Our Lady of Fatime Parade in Macau

Time: Every May 13

Our Lady of Fatime Parade in Macau is one of important Catholic festival activities in Macau, reminding the people to remember that Our Lady taught the scriptures to three cowboys in Fatima, Portugal, to pray for the world peace. The procession team starts from St. Dominic's Church, the women in white carry the image of Saint Maria, in which three women are dressed like the children, symbolizing three girls witnessing the reincarnation of Saint Maria. The procession is closely followed by many believers chanting psalms or saying prayers and the crowds, and both sides of the road are crowded by the audience chanting psalms or saying prayers, being solemn and spectacular.

Macau International Dragon Boat Races

Time: May 5 of lunar calendar

May 5 of lunar calendar is the festival celebrating the time that patriotic poet Qu Yuan killed himself by drowning himself in the river. On this day, the traditional Chinese rice dumplings are eaten by all in Macau. Now, Dragon Boat Races is an important activity in the Dragon Boat Festival, when the good hands from various places valiantly sail forward in Nam Van Lake, and the cries of the audience, the voices of drums and gongs, and the colorful flags make the commonly quiet Nam Van Lake very boisterous.

Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

Time: September to October

The joint performance attracts many tourists to Macau every year. The fireworks performance teams from ten countries or regions bring beautiful fireworks, and set off them in the clear night sky. Before the Macau Tower Square and Hotel Lisboa Square, the hurrahs of the audience follow the fireworks set off into the night sky. In addition, there are many other related celebration activities, such as setting off fireworks in the evening.

Macau International Music Festival

Time: October to November

During the annual Macau International Music Festival, the most famous musicians, singers, orchestras and choruses are invited. The programs include Chinese and western classic and modern music, and the performance of operas represents the climax of the programs. Concerts and recitals are held in different places of Macau, such as Concert halls in St. Dominic's Church, Ruins of St. Paul, park and cultural center.

Macau Grand Prix

Time: Every November (with the specific time based on the information for the competition in the current year)

High-level Macau Grand Prix has been held for more than fifty years, and may be said as the largest-sized international competition. Macau Grand Prix includes the items, such as Motorcycle Race, Super Production Touring Car Race, and Formula III Race etc. The motorcycles and super production touring cars may dash forward on the natural race tracks. During the preliminary contest and races, the whole city is infused with the excitement, intension and excitement. The roaring noises of the engines, a succession of tourists and colorful advertising flags floating in the streets. During the races, the life tempo of the city is completely changed.

Macau Food Festival

Time: Every November

Macau Food Festival brings together local famous specialty foods, as one of important auxiliary items for the annual world sports event “Macau Grand Prix”, and creates a different and wonderful carnival for the citizens and the tourists, making them like to become slaves of pleasure. During the Macau Food Festival, a total of over 100 booths will be set up, including Chinese food street, Asian food street, European Continental food street, specialty food festival and sweet food street. During the Macau Food Festival, a series of wonderful performance programs are arranged, including, Songs and dances of the nationalities, pop songs and nostalgic songs, dances, magic, and martial performance, as well as large-sized beer drinking competition and thematic night, too many things for the eyes to feast on.

Feast of Immaculate Conception

Time: December 8

This is a public holiday in Macau, because it is the celebration day for Feast of Immaculate Conception. This is a western religious festival, which is extremely emphasized by the Macau people. The so-called Feast of Immaculate Conception is a feast to celebrate that Saint Maria was granted with the gift of no original sin.