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Travel & Tourism . Tourist Guide to the Country

Macau History and Culture




History
The earliest known settlers in Macau were fishermen from Fujian and farmers from Guangdong who came because of its location at the entrance to the Pearl River leading to Guangzhou (Canton).
In the late 16th century, Portuguese traders and Catholic missionaries chose it as a gateway to China, and it rapidly became a major entreport for trade and a meeting point for East and West.
After the Anglo-Chinese War in 1841, the British chose Hong Kong, a port 40 miles east northeast of Macau and overshadowed Macau's importance. In recent years, Macau has resumed its old role as a gateway to China, for goods and travellers.
This is expected to become increasing important with the opening of the Macau International Airport and the Macauport container facility. Macau has also grown into a thriving textile industry as well as being a popular tourist destination.
Although it has witnessed many changes during its 4 centuries of existence, Macau has remained a stronghold of Portuguese presence and culture in the Far East. Macau has proudly flown Portugal's flag continuously even when the Motherland's throne was occupied by a foreign king in the 16th and 17th century.
On 13 April 1987, Portugal signed an agreement with China to return Macau to Chinese administration on 20 December 1999 and China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economic systems and lifestyle for 50 years after transition.

Culture
Macau is a city where the East and the West have met and continue to coexist in harmony. The results of this combination of cultures can be seen today in baroque-style churches and exotic temples, pastel-colored palaces and classic Chinese gardens.
The uniqueness of this place is that while in the midst of development, it retains an old world charm. One can take a pedicab along the tree-shaded Praia Grande, or enjoy the traditional Chinese medicinal halls along cobbled streets with their long Portuguese names.
There are various celebrations throughout the year, be it a Chinese festival, a Christian Saint's day or a historic anniversary along with a wide range of other activities.
The combination of Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and Malay influences makes the Macanese cuisine yet another unique feature found nowhere else.


 

Acknowledgements: ASIATRAVELMART.COM








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