Macao

Macao lies on the west bank of the mouth of Pearl River in China’s southeast coast. It is 60 km from Hong Kong in the northeast and is connected in the north with the city of Zhuhai by a narrow strip of land 200 m wide. Covering an area of 17.41 square kilometers, it consists of Macau Peninsula, the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The Chinese name of Macao (a combination of two Chinese characters Ao and Men ) has its origin in its topography. Looking far into the Macau Peninsula from Taipa, you will discover two mountains on both sides of the peninsula, which resemble the two opened doors (Men) if viewed from afar. And the surrounding area of the peninsula is a vast stretch of seawater, which people refers to as “Ao”. Hence the two Chinese characters Ao and Men were combined to form the name for this area, Aomen or in English Macau. 

As a result of its unique history and geographic location, Macau’s tourism has always been prosperous. Macau’s many famous scenic resorts and historic sites are a blend of both traditional Chinese culture and strong Portugal flavor. And it is called “Oriental Monte Carlo” for its thriving business of gambling.