WHERE TO GO - Hong Kong - page 89

In the 17th century Macau provided a haven for persecuted Japanese Christians, and dur-
ing World War II Portugal's neutrality brought the territory a new flood of refugees. They
were joined by a swarm of spies of all conceivable nationalities, and Macau won a name for
international intrigue.
The territory was formally handed back to China in 1999. Now known as the Macau
Special Administrative Region (MSAR), it is governed under a 'one country, two systems'
set-up, similar to that in Hong Kong.
In recent years the region's landscape has changed significantly, primarily as a result of
the opening up of the MSAR's gaming industry. Ambitious reclamation has created new
land (known as the NAPE zone) on the Macau peninsula's Porto Exterior (Outer Harbour)
and, most dramatically, the islands of Coloane and Taipa have been joined by reclaimed land
called Cotai. Macau is the only place in Greater China where gaming is legal; the Chinese
love to gamble and are travelling here in ever-increasing numbers. The arrival of Nevada-
style casinos has transformed Macau into Asia's Las Vegas and the tiny enclave now earns
more money from gaming than the Las Vegas Strip itself.
Shopping and dining in Macau
Shopping: Like Hong Kong, Macau is a duty-free port. Shops aimed at the tour-
ist market are interspersed with the more workaday ironmongers, herbalists and
noodle stalls. Knowledgeable visitors look for antiques - either Chinese heir-
looms or remnants from the Portuguese colonial days. Both antiques and excel-
lent reproductions of 18th- and 19th-century Chinese furniture are found on Rua
de São Paolo. Wynn Macau has an arcade packed with international brand
names, and at The Venetian Macao you can explore The Grand Canal Shoppes
by gondola. Also worth exploring are the Sunday market at Taipa and the small
antique and reproduction furniture shops in Coloane.
Dining: Macau's own cuisine is a combination of Chinese cooking styles and in-
gredients, infused with flavours imported from Portugal, Brazil and Africa. Wheth-
er you choose to eat in one of the Chinese, traditional Portuguese or
international-style restaurants, you will get a hearty meal at a good price. African
chicken with fries is a Macau favourite. Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns
are popular Macanese snacks.
Fresh fish and seafood is particularly good. A delicate, delicious fish is Macau
sole (linguado) . Imported dried cod (bacalhao) is the Portuguese national dish;
several varieties are available, usually baked. Macau has an ample supply of Por-