Macao: A Heritage of Two Cultures

The hand-over in 1999 signaled the surrender of the final piece of Asian soil under European colonial control. The Chinese government has promised to allow Macau to continue as it was before under the "one country two systems" policy. Macau has been made a designated Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Situated only 65 km from Hong Kong, Macau is a tiny island with a big population (420,000 and growing) and a booming economy. This is an area with a fantastic mix of culture. The majority of the population is Chinese and the common language is Cantonese although Mandarin Chinese, English and Portuguese are all spoken too. The financial success of the region is due largely to the influx of tourists who come here to visit and to play in Macau's most famous sites; the Casinos.

But casinos are not all that Macau is about. Until December 1999, Macau was Europe's oldest colony. As such, this is a city of amazing and fascinating cultural wealth. The unique blend of European and Oriental cultures existing here creates a pleasurable and laid back atmosphere in a truly beautiful city. Palm trees line the Portuguese named streets, Churches, Cathedrals and forts sit tight with ancient Chinese temples and buildings. The parks here are quaint and there are some great beaches and restaurants too. The most prosperous and impressive area of the city is around the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, itself a symbol of the fusion of cultures existing in Macau.

The history of cultural integration in Macau is physically evident today through the numerous tourist attractions in the tiny city.

The sights of Macau are characterized by both Catholic and Chinese Temples, Museums, Southern European styled buildings and gardens of all types. The island is basically divided up into 3 regions, the largest being the peninsular attached to the mainland by a small strip of land, the other two being the islands of Taipa, linked to the peninsular by bridge, and Coloane, linked to Taipa by bridge. As befits its size, the main sights of Macau are mostly situated on the peninsular, although the islands make a relaxing day trip.

Beliefs and arts and customs of traditional China thrive in Macau and this meeting place of Eastern and Western culture can be witnessed in the A-ma Temple and the Kun-iam Temple, temples of traditional belief. On the other hand, the Portuguese established Macau in 1577 expecting it to be a base of Christianity as well as a trading post, calling it "City in the Name of God, Macau". Churches were among the very first buildings erected in the city. Today, these churches still remain, among them St' Augustin's Church and St' Domingo's Church are the most important active churches. The Ruins of St' Paul's Cathedral has also become the symbol of Macau.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com / Photo: baidu.com )

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