East Meets West -- The Historic Centre of Macau, a World Heritage Site, celebrates more than 400 years of cultural exchange between the East and the West. Encompassing most of the historic old town, it ensures the preservation of both traditional Chinese architecture and the oldest western structures on Chinese soil, with forts, temples, churches, mansions, squares, a library, cemetery, and a garden among 25 protected sites. Two of the most famous attractions -- A-Ma Temple and the ruins of St. Paul's -- are described here, but for a complete list of protected structures and a map, stop by the Macau Government Tourist Office for its Macau World Heritage pamphlet. Among my favorites: the Moorish Barracks, Mandarin's House, Leal Senado Building, Senado Square, Lou Kau Mansion, the Protestant Cemetery, and Guia Fortress.
At the other end of the spectrum is another "town," the newly fabricated Fisherman's Wharf (tel. 853/282993300; www.fishermanswharf.com), which opened in 2004 on reclaimed land in the Outer Harbour, just a few minutes' walk from the ferry terminal. It's divided into three themed zones: Tang Dynasty, with architecture and décor typical of the era; East Meets West, a fairy-tale rendition of history, with a man-made "active" volcano, thrill rides for the little ones at Aladdin's Fort (open daily 10am-10pm, with rides costing $20-$40 ptcs/US$2.50-US$5/£1.35-£2.70), and a 2,000-seat Roman Amphitheatre for concerts and performances; and Legend Wharf, with replica European, North American, and South African historic architecture. Mostly, Fisherman's Wharf is an excuse to shop and eat, with plenty of upscale opportunities for both. With regularly scheduled street performances and other events, it makes for an interesting stroll.
Car Races & Fireworks -- The Heat Is On! -- Of Macau's several annual events, none is as popular or draws as many enthusiasts as the Macau Grand Prix, held in mid- to late November, and the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, held every Saturday in September.
The Macau Grand Prix, first staged in 1954, features races for motorcycles, production cars (international group A), and Formula Three racers, and attracts drivers from all over the world. Very similar to the famous circuit in Monaco, the 6.2km (3 3/4-mile) Guia Circuit, which winds through town near the ferry terminal and is lined with grandstands along the way, includes the winding roads of Guia Hill, hard corners around the waterfront, and the straightaway along the Outer Harbour. Champion drivers can complete a lap in as little as 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Tickets for stands during the 2 practice days cost HK$50 (US$6.50/£3.55), while race-day tickets range from HK$150 (US$19/£11) for standing room to HK$800 (US$104/£57) for the best seats. For ticket inquiries, call 853/287962268 or refer to www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo. Note, however, that ferry tickets and hotel accommodations in Macau are tight during the races.
Macau's other major competition, the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, has a more universal appeal with its dazzling displays of fireworks spread over Saturday nights in September. Begun in 1989, it is now the world's biggest fireworks contest, with almost a dozen international teams competing. Displays last 20 minutes and are judged using criteria such as the height reached by the fireworks, the explosive bang and spread of each firework, color and variety, and the overall choreographic effect of each display. The best place to view the fireworks is along the waterfront near Macau Tower.
