Touted as side trip or a day trip from Hong Kong, Macau is more well-known for the Ruins of Saint Paul's and its casinos - the biggest being The Venetian Macao. But in 2019, the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association launched a global vote amongst its residents and international visitors to find its new postcard landmarks. These eight eye-catching hotspots are the new icons of Macao, giving some fascinating insight on the city’s storied history as the melting pot of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.
Two Lakes and One Tower
Head to Sai Van and Nam Van lakes that frames Macao Tower to see the view known as the ‘two lakes and one tower’. Here you’ll see the the former merchant ship embankment at Sai Van Lake, the fountains and laser shows on Nam Van Lake, the European style architectures all around old Macau interplaying with the impressive Macao Tower at the centre of it all — head there for sunset to see the sun sink into the horizon casting its golden rays across the water.
How to get there: Take bus routes 5, 5AX, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 26, 32, 32T, which pass by Macao Tower.
Penha Hill
Built in 1622, Our Lady of Penha Chapel atop Penha Hill boasts a gorgeous Gothic spire that was retained from its original structure, before the church was reconstructed in 1837 to include the residence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Macao. The tree-covered surrounds of the hill make for an enjoyable hike with rewarding views of the Praia Grande and Inner Harbour.
How to get there: Take bus routes 6B, 9, 16, 28B to Penha Hill.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is a 55km bridge-tunnel system and is the largest, most challenging cross-sea bridge project ever completed in the region. It connects to Macao via two artificial islands that house the boundary crossing facilities. Head to the eastern side of the Macao peninsula to catch the perfect vantage point of the bridge in its full glory.
How to get there: Take bus routes 101X, 102X to the Macao boundary crossing area.
Coloane Fishing Village
Pop on over to Coloane Fishing Village to admire the history of Macao as an ancient port town,. Extending from the old Coloane Port then southwards to Tam Kong Temple, the quaint village feels like a step back in time with its brightly-coloured colonial-era chapels, park archways and paved squares, perfect for photo opportunities. Also scattered across the town are the traditional temples that pay homage to Kun Iam, the goddess of mercy, and Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea.
How to get there: Take bus routes 21A, 15, 25, 26A to the centre of Coloane.
Travessa da Paixão
Spruce up your Instagram with photos from Travessa da Paixão - a cobblestoned alleyway popular for its vibrant architecture. Built in the early 20th century, these charming neoclassical European facades and their vivid window shutters have become ubiquitous on social media. Its name is derived from the word for passion, ‘paixão’ in Portuguese, which has translated to mean romance in Chinese — as a result, this has become a popular photo spot for couples in recent years.
How to get there: Take bus routes 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 9A, 10, 11, 10A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 19, 21A, 25, 26, 26A, 33 to Travessa da Paixão.
Rua da Felicidade
Despite its less savoury background as a red light district, Rua da Felicidade is now a family-friendly locale, home to charming old restaurants, souvenir shops, and the instantly recognisable bright red doors, painted during the street’s revamp in 1996, which make for excellent photo opportunities. The name of the street is Portuguese for ‘Street of Happiness’ — so-named as the street used to be populated by brothels and opium houses.
How to get there: Take bus routes 2, 3, 3A, 3X, 4, 5, 6A, 7, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 18A, 19, 21A, 26A, 33, N1A, N1B, N3 to Rua da Felicidade.
Long Chao Kok
Translated to ‘Dragon Claw Stone’, Long Chao Kok is an ideal little trail for photography lovers. Not only does the coast offer peculiar stone landmarks and thriving biodiversity, it’s also arguably one of the best spots to catch the sunset — make sure to catch the money shot towards the end of the trail: a photogenic little red pagoda against the horizon.
How to get there: Take bus routes 21A, 15, 25, 26A to Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail, Hac Sa, Coloane.
Photos from Macao Government Tourism Office
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