Overview

Chinese Name: Macao Special Administrative Region
Climate Conditions: Subtropical maritime monsoon climate
Airport: Macau International Airport

Background

The Macao Special Administrative Region (English: Macao, Portuguese: Macau), is a special administrative region directly under the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. It is located on the west side of the Pearl River estuary in southern China, at the intersection of inland China and the South China Sea, neighboring Guangdong province, with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 60 kilometers away and Guangzhou 145 kilometers away.

The Macao Special Administrative Region is situated in the subtropical zone and has a maritime monsoon climate. Its geographic features are low-lying, with the south being higher than the north, characterized by mountains and high hills in the north and plains and plateaus in the south. The economy of the Macao Special Administrative Region is supported by four pillars: export processing, gaming tourism, financial services, and the construction industry, with the gaming industry being the leading sector. Macao has a history of over 400 years of cultural exchange between China and the West, forming a multicultural synthesis characterized as “Chinese-centered with a blend of Portuguese.” There are many landmarks and cultural relics showcasing this fusion of cultures.

Climate

The Macao Special Administrative Region is located in the subtropical region, bordered by the Asian continent to the north and the vast tropical ocean to the south. In winter, it is primarily influenced by high-pressure systems from mid to high latitudes, resulting in mainly northerly winds, cool and dry weather, and little rainfall. In summer, it is mainly influenced by tropical weather systems from the ocean, characterized by prevailing southwest winds, higher temperatures, and high humidity accompanied by abundant rainfall. The contrasting directions of the winter and summer monsoons, coupled with minimal temperature variation between day and night and year to year, classify it as a maritime monsoon climate.

According to climate averages calculated by the World Meteorological Organization using 30 years of data, from 1991 to 2020, the total annual precipitation in the Macao Special Administrative Region averaged 1,966.6 millimeters, with the months from April to September receiving the most rainfall. June has the highest rainfall, averaging 373.7 millimeters, whereas December has the least rainfall, averaging only 31.3 millimeters. The Macao Special Administrative Region has experienced heavy rainfall events, with daily rainfall reaching 348 millimeters (May 10, 1972) and hourly rainfall reaching 125 millimeters (September 6, 1964). The annual average temperature in the Macao Special Administrative Region is 22.8°C, with the coldest January average temperature at 15.2°C. In most years, cold weather with minimum temperatures below 5°C can occur, but such conditions generally last for only a short time. There are as many as seven months with average monthly temperatures above 22°C, indicating that Macao has short winters and long summers. The extreme highest temperature recorded reached 38.9°C, occurring on July 2 and 6, 1930. Typhoon season runs from May to October, with July to September being the months most affected by typhoons.

Cuisine

The Macao Special Administrative Region mainly features Cantonese cuisine and Portuguese Macanese cuisine. Most residents of Macao are descendants of immigrants from Guangdong, so the traditions of Cantonese cuisine have been preserved and blended with Western cooking techniques, resulting in a unique flavor profile. Portuguese Macanese cuisine is the most distinctive food in Macao. Macao boasts a wealth of culinary offerings from different regions, with restaurants serving a variety of delicious dishes. In addition to the uniquely flavored Macanese dishes, there are authentic Portuguese dishes rich in Portuguese flavor, as well as a wide selection of Chinese cuisine from across the country and international cuisines from Japan, Korea, Thailand, India, Brazil, Italy, France, and more, all available in Macao. Fine dishes are paired with excellent wines, with a wide range of reasonably priced international wines available in Macao. Food tours in Macao feature many tropical Southeast Asian dishes, as well as local snacks like almond cookies, egg rolls, pork chop buns, and Portuguese custard tarts.

In 2012, the culinary techniques of the Macanese were included in the "Macao Intangible Cultural Heritage List," and in 2021, successfully listed as a "National Representative Project of Intangible Cultural Heritage." On October 31, 2017, Macao was designated as a "City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO.

Some Special Macanese Dishes
Tacho: Tacho is a type of “native dish,” which literally means "big pot" in Portuguese. As the name suggests, it is made by putting various ingredients into a "big pot" to cook, requiring a lot of preparation and patience, truly a "thoughtful dish." This dish is a typical Christmas meal for the indigenous population and symbolizes family reunion.

Portuguese Greens Soup: This is a common soup made mostly from green vegetables, including collard greens, potatoes, and Portuguese sausage.

Portuguese Seafood Rice: Made from uncooked rice with fresh tomato puree, shrimp, mussels, octopus, and other seafood, this dish perfectly blends the freshness of the seafood, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the texture of the rice. There are basically two cooking methods: one uses a fresh tomato sauce as the base, while the other uses a creamier texture.

Pork Chop Bun: This is a Macanese-style hamburger, featuring a sliced roasted pork chop in crispy baked bread. Unlike typical hamburgers, there are no vegetables or seasonings between the bread and the meat, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of the roasted pork simply.

Crab Congee: A congee made with a whole fresh water crab, the lightness of the white rice congee enhances the flavor of the crab meat, making it a gourmet rice dish.

Egg Waffle: Egg waffles are made by pouring egg batter into a special mold and grilling it. There are two theories about the origin of the name "egg waffle": one suggests it is due to the large number of eggs used in the batter, and the other suggests it is because the mold resembles many eggs. The freshly baked egg waffle is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often sold in bags to eat on the go.

Portuguese Egg Tart: This is one of the most famous snacks in Macao, also known as custard tart or caramel macchiato tart, belonging to the tart family. Known as "Portuguese tart" in Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong, it is a small cream pastry with a burnt surface (caramelized sugar) and is characterized by its flaky texture. The crust resembles the British custard tart, but the filling is more akin to English custard, while the caramelized top retains the unique characteristics of the Portuguese tart.

Macanese Roast Pork: Also known as "white cut roast pork," this is a specialty dish from the Macao region, classified under Cantonese cuisine. The skin of the roast pork is golden brown and the meat is tender and juicy. This dish is a refined version of five-spice roast pork, known for its sweet and crispy taste. Macanese roast pork involves more meticulous selection of ingredients and preparation steps compared to regular roast pork; it uses a specific part known as "picking bone flower pork" (the area connecting the ribs, with just over one pound available from a single pig) and requires complex cooking processes such as boiling, marinating, forming shape, and grilling.

Salted Cod (Bacalhau): This is a type of salted cod that is marinated but not dried, and it can be prepared through frying, baking, stewing, or boiling in various dishes. Popular preparations include Western-style baked cod, fried salted cod with rice vermicelli, and fried bacalhau balls. The fried cod is golden on the outside and pale yellow on the inside, garnished with bell peppers and onions, giving it a savory taste and a delightful texture.

Minced Meat: Also known as minced meat, it is derived from the English word "mince" and refers to meat that has been finely chopped. It is one of the representative dishes of Macanese cuisine. This dish is usually made with beef or pork, seasoned with a small amount of syrup and soy sauce. Minced meat can also be combined with scrambled eggs, known as "minced meat scrambled eggs."

Customs
Macao is a place where Chinese and Western cultures coexist. Traditions and customs from both cultures are accepted and respected by the residents, who celebrate together harmoniously. There is a wide variety of festivals in Macao, with some public holidays based on either Chinese folk traditions or Western holidays, including Lunar New Year, Qingming Festival, Easter, Buddha's Birthday, Mid-Autumn Festival, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Winter Solstice, and Christmas.

Landlord’s Day
Landlord’s Day falls on the second day of the second lunar month. There is a strong belief in the Landlord deity in Macao; numerous shops and homes place statues of the deity, and there are several Landlord temples. In the past, during this time, devotees would not only worship him at home but would also visit Landlord temples accompanied by lion dances. Today, residents in the area around Juazai Garden celebrate Landlord’s Day with symbols such as a golden pig for the deity, inviting opera troupes to perform, or hosting Cantonese song singing evenings.

North Emperor's Birthday
The North Emperor’s Birthday is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month. The North Emperor, also known as Xuanwu, is believed to be the ruler of the north and a water deity. Historically, most residents of Taipa Island were fishermen, who worshipped the North Emperor, so a temple was built in his honor, which is the only temple dedicated to him in Macao. The tradition of celebrating the North Emperor's Birthday continues today, with locals holding grand celebrations in front of the temple during this time.

Tam Kong's Birthday
Tam Kong’s Birthday falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. Tam Kong is also known as Tianhou or Ma Zu. Legend has it that the name "Macao" originated from this goddess. Once, when fishermen were out to sea in the South China Sea, a sudden storm arose, but Tam Kong transformed into a girl and calmed the storm, allowing the fishermen to reach safety. They built a temple called "Ma Zu Pavilion" at the landing site to worship her. To this day, Tam Kong remains one of the most revered deities among residents of Macao.

Drunken Dragon Festival
The Drunken Dragon Festival is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month and is a unique folk festival event held by the fresh fish market in Macao. Fishermen hold a special Drunken Dragon and Awakening Lion event annually to celebrate. According to one legend, hundreds of years ago, an epidemic spread in Xiangshan County (now Zhongshan). As villagers passed by the river, a giant snake suddenly leaped out of the water. After the villagers chopped it, the river turned red with its blood. Those who drank from the river recovered, believing that the giant snake was an incarnation of a dragon. Thus, they created the drunken dragon dance to commemorate the event.

Awakening Lion and Lion Dance
Every year on the second day of the lunar New Year, Macau people hold the “Drunken Dragon and Awakening Lion Festival.” "Awakening the Lion" involves performing a ritual to bring a new "lion" to life by dotting its eyes; this is done on an altar with red cloth, offering a roasted suckling pig and a white chicken as offerings to the deity, followed by fireworks and drums. The honor of performing the eye-dotting is given to the most experienced and respected elder. After the ceremony, attendees share the roasted suckling pig, which is said to strengthen the body and ensure successful outcomes in battles.

High-standard lion dances in Macao include high pole dances. The lowest pole is 80 cm high, and the tallest reaches 2 meters, arranged sequentially. The “lion” jumps and maneuvers on the poles. The lion costume is comprised of a head and tail carried by two individuals, with the head being somewhat smaller and lighter than the tail. Generally, the lion dance depicts a complete story.

Scenic Spots
Macao has over 400 years of rich history of cultural exchanges between China and the West, providing a unique charm. Macao features traditional-style residences and historical temples, along with South European style buildings and Baroque-style churches, all of which have become characteristic tourist landscapes.

Some Attractions in Macao
Historic Centre of Macao: The Historic Centre of Macao is a historical district centered around the old urban area of Macao, connected by adjacent squares and streets, including 22 buildings and 8 squares. In 2005, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising 30 points of interest such as A-Ma Temple, the Harbour Bureau building, the Largo do Senado, the Sam Ka Tjing building, St. Lawrence's Church, St. Joseph's Seminary, the Largo do Pagode do Bónfim, the Teatro Grande, the Edificio da Biblioteca, the St. Augustine Church, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Senate Square, the Kun Iam Temple, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, the Rui Cunha Institute, the Ruins of St. Paul, Na Tcha Temple, the Old City Wall Site, the Monte Fort, St. Anthony's Church, the East Orient Foundation site, the Cemetery of the Christian Burial, and the East Orient Battery (including East Orient Lighthouse and Santa Casa da Misericórdia).

Museums and Exhibition Halls: Macao has a total of 47 museums and exhibition halls, including the Macao Museum, the Macao Maritime Museum, the Macao Wine Museum, the Macao Museum of Art, the Macao Return Gifts Exhibition Hall, the Macao Science Center, the Rosary Bio-Treasure House, the St. Joseph's Institute Collection, the Catholic Art Museum, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Museum, the Lin Zexu Memorial Museum, the Macao Fire Museum, and others.

Churches: There are 17 churches in Macao, among which the most famous are St. Paul’s Church and College, which became a base for European missionaries in China. Notable churches include the Ruins of St. Paul, the Cathedral (Main Church), the Church of Our Lady of Snow, the St. Joseph’s Chapel, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi on Coloane, the Chapel of St. Michael, the Church of Our Lady of Ka Ma, the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, the Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, Morrison Chapel, St. Anthony's Church, St. Augustine’s Church, the Rosary Church, and the Chapel of St. Lawrence.

Temples: Macao has 17 temples that preserve many aspects of Chinese culture. The main temples practice Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions, worshipping Buddha, Kuan Yin, the Queen of Heaven, and other deities. Notable temples include A-Ma Temple, Kuan Yin Temple, the Lianfeng Temple, the Lianxi Temple, the Pu Ti Zen Institute, the Tam Kong Temple, and the Kuan Di Temple (Sam Ka Tjing).

Parks: Macao is a green city with 16 parks. Macao’s parks are distinctive, featuring Suzhou-style Chinese gardens; some have cobblestone paths and unique South European designs. Some parks feature scenic cable cars, zoos, or are even themed around ecological conservation. Parks include: Pigeon Nest Park (Jardim de Camões), He Ian Park (Xiangshan Park), Song Yusheng Park, Art Garden, Long Hou Park, Spiral Hill Park, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, South Bay Garden (Jardim de Cais da Praia), Sun Yat-sen Memorial Municipal Park, Victory Garden, Vasco da Gama Park, Mount Fortress Park, Tapai Municipal Park (Kam Ma Park), Flower City Park, Shap Wai Wan Wilderness Park, Coloane Hill Park, and the statue of Ma Zu, as well as the Black Sand Reservoir Park.

Fortifications: Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Macao faced frequent invasions from foreign enemies hundreds of years ago, leading to the construction of fortifications on the hills for defense. Currently, there are 4 major forts, including the Mount Fortress, the Guia Fortress, the Cais da Praia Fortress, and the East Orient Fortress (which includes the Church of Our Lady of Snow and the lighthouse).

Other Attractions: Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, Macao Fisherman's Wharf, A-Ma Culture Village, the Border Gate, the Lotus Flower Square, Kuan Yin Lotus Garden, the Vasco da Gama Monument, the Xian Xinghai Statue, the Macao Archives, and the Islamic Mosque and Cemetery.