Of courseAn Introduction to Macao 澳 门 简 介

Abbreviation: Ao 澳
Area: 27.3 square kilometers
Population: Approximately 460,000
Location: In the west bank of South China’s Pearl River estuary

(Macao Blends East and West) Macao, a tiny place with a total land area of 23.8 square kilometers including a peninsular, and two islands, is a strange mixture of tranquility and motion.

Historical sites fill the region and make it a “sleepy land.” The Monte Fort lies in the center of the Macao peninsula, overlooking Macao and witnessing its development. it was built by the first Portuguese settlers, marking the region as the oldest European settlement in Asia.

A short distance down from the fort is the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral. Some people say it is “the greatest Christian monument in the East although only a façade and stone steps remain.” The marvelous carvings of significant Christian events on the façade inspire veneration and awe. The cathedral was damaged in a fire in 1835 and was never reconstructed. This foreign-style architecture comes from the influence of centuries of rule by the Portuguese in Macao. But Macao’s blood ties with China can never be cut. The oriental style architecture reflects its blood its long Chinese tradition.

In the south of the Macao peninsula, there is a A-Ma Temple dedicated to the goddess A-Ma (Mother). A-Ma is a legendary figure protecting boat people from being killed during sea voyages. She is widely worshipped in South and East China. The temple is a typical Chinese building with eagle-like eaves and a tower behind it. It dates back to the 17th century and there is always activity around it with worshippers coming and going.

Some buildings in Macao have particular characteristics. The former Governor’s Residence has eye-catching pink exterior walls. Whatever the style of architecture, Western or oriental, the buildings stand side by side in the subtropical sun and contribute to the uniqueness of Macao—an interesting mix of Latin and Asian culture.

Macao is known for its nightlife. Gambling is the most exciting part of Macao. Thousands of visitors flow there every day to try their luck. The Lisboa Casino next to Lishoa Hotel is the largest and liveliest casino.

During the racing seasons, horse racing and dog racing thrill the spectators. Its horse racing has a long history, tracing back to the 18th century. The biggest event of the year is the Macao Grand Prix.

The great concept of “one country, two systems” proposed by the late leader Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997) is the sole correct guideline for solutions to the questions of Hong Kong and Macao, and Taiwan and hence for achieving the complete reunification of the motherland.

As Macao embraced the great motherland Macao has implemented the policies of “one country, two systems” and “Macao people administering Macao” and has enjoyed a high degree of autonomy. The Macao SAR is now directly under the authority of the central government and under the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, has been vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication.

China has started exercising diplomacy in Macao after a lapse of 443 years. The Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region opened on December 20, 1999, hours after the Chinese flag was raised at in the garden of the newly built commission building. The building is across from the Forum, where the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region was inaugurated on December 20, 1999. The opening of the commission is an important system of China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macao. Portugal’s control over Macao for 443 years ended on December 20, 1999, Chinese garrison troops entered Macao at noon. The commission represents the Foreign Affairs Ministry in matters related to the central government. It is the institution that deals with the Macao Government. It is also the agency that processes applications from foreign countries and international organizations that would like to establish consulates or representative offices in Macao. Under the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the territory’s government has the authority to handle some of its external affairs.

“Lotus” Bridge 莲花桥

Vehicles crossed a brand new bridge linking Macao the Zhuhai, a city in South China’s Guangdong Province on December 10, 1999. The 1,781-meter-long and 30-meter-wide bridge was named “Lotus” and put to use. It is the second passage connecting Macao with the inland China. Built at a cost of 200 million yuan (US $ 240,000), the project was jointly sponsored by Zhuhai and Macao and its construction began in June in 1998.

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