Macau

Macau or Macao, is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Located across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong, until 1999 Macau was an overseas territory of Portugal. As the first and last European colony in Asia, Macau has more visible colonial history than Hong Kong. Walking through the old city you could convince yourself you were in Europe - if the streets were devoid of people and Chinese-language signage, that is. The Portuguese and Macanese population continues to maintain a presence, but most of the population is native Chinese.

Four-century Portuguese sovereignty until 1999 has left tiny Macau an inimitable mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures and religious traditions. Today, it is known as the Mecca of gamesters, and it remains many famous historical monuments, such as the facade of St Paul's Church, A-Ma Temple, Mount Fortress, Guia Fortress, St. Anthony's Church, and St. Augustine's Church...Like its neighboring city - Hong Kong, Macau is also noted for Cantonese food and the status of Shopping heaven. For travelers, a tour to Macau will be an excursion to a Mediterranean town or a casinos paradise. One of the world's most densely populated spots, Macau is best known as Asia's largest destination for gambling taking in even more revenue than Las Vegas.