Is Macau Worth a Visit?
In the southeastern corner of the motherland lies such a place:
By day, it resembles most cities, bustling with traffic and towering skyscrapers.
At night, it transforms—from traditional old streets to modern bridges, every corner radiates a golden glow. Whether described as resplendent or decadent, this aura appears more extravagant than other cities.
This is Macao, a city more beautiful at night than by day. If we step back from the contrast between day and night and shift perspectives, what Macao would you see?
From above, Macao is strikingly small, its boundaries visible at a glance.
As of June 2018, Macao's land area was merely 32.9 square kilometers. Yet on this tiny land, 659,000 people reside, with a population density of 20,033 people per square kilometer—the highest in the world in 2018. This figure is three times that of Hong Kong, a place long renowned for its density.
Macao's geographical space is severely limited. To the north, it borders Zhuhai in Guangdong; to the south lies the vast South China Sea; and to the east and west, it is sandwiched between Hong Kong and Hengqin Island. The closest distance between Macao and Hong Kong is just over 60 kilometers, while Macao and Hengqin Island are less than 300 meters apart.
The narrow land is also fragmented. The Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island, and Coloane Island are scattered across the Pearl River estuary from north to south.
Though fragmented, the sea has not hindered connectivity.
To link the three islands, three bridges—the Sai Van Bridge to the west, the Governador Nobre de Carvalho Bridge in the middle, and the Friendship Bridge to the east—span the sea like giant dragons between the Macao Peninsula and Taipa. Further south, Taipa and Coloane are connected by the Cotai Strip, a reclaimed land project.
For ties with the mainland, the Hengqin Port at the end of the Lotus Bridge and Zhuhai's Gongbei Port work in tandem. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has further accelerated integration.
To reach the world, the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Inner Harbour Terminal host thousands of tons of cargo ships ready to depart. The reclaimed land of Macao International Airport in the distance shortens the gap between Macao and the globe.
Guia Hill, in eastern Macao Peninsula, stands just 90 meters above sea level but is the area's highest point. From here, one can glimpse Macao's past and present, witnessing the collision and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
Nearby lies the old historic district, where buildings of varying heights intermingle—steep-roofed Portuguese structures with red tiles and gray-brick Chinese homes. Western churches and Chinese temples coexist in the same frame, just steps apart. Here, Eastern and Western beliefs and cultures have shifted from confrontation to harmony.
The Ruins of St. Paul's stand out clearly. A Macao icon, this was once a Catholic church built by the Portuguese in 1562. After repeated fires and reconstructions, it was destroyed again in 1835, leaving only its facade to endure through time.
On its stone walls, the Virgin Mary and angels, peonies and chrysanthemums—distinctive elements of East and West—have merged seamlessly into this Baroque structure.
While time has preserved history, it has also fostered modernity. Beyond the historic district, modern landmarks pierce the sky—be they skyscrapers or functional structures.
The Macao Tower, standing 338 meters tall with its observation deck at 223 meters, is currently the highest structure. It ranks among the world's top ten freestanding observation towers. In 2006, it launched the world's highest commercial bungee jump at the time. If the three bridges represent Macao's span, the tower symbolizes its height.
Further afield, Macao and the mainland stand side by side along the river, their skylines blurring boundaries as buildings vie for height. In 2014, the University of Macau relocated entirely to Hengqin Island. In 2019, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area plan was finalized. Macao, alongside the mainland and Hong Kong, is forging a future and reaching for the world.
Every street and every building in Macao is a treasure trove.
Turning a corner into an ancient old street, rows of low-rise shops line the path, their diverse signs filling the streets. Occasionally, you'll encounter long queues outside a store—undoubtedly a time-honored establishment with decades or even centuries of heritage, worthy of the wait and capable of captivating the taste buds of generations.
Strolling along Avenida da República, let the colonial-style houses stretch alongside Nam Van Lake as your feet tread the cobblestone road. Macao's unique leisurely charm can only be truly experienced by being here.
Pausing at the Cotai Strip, this is Macao’s famous Cotai reclamation area. What was once a vast expanse of blue sea has now become a hub of entertainment venues, each with distinctive architecture and hidden wonders.
Among them, The Parisian Macao stands out as the most alluring. It’s no exaggeration to say this is the most Paris-like place in Asia, attracting countless visitors yearning for Paris to check in. So, what exactly makes it so captivating?
First, its most iconic Parisian landmarks.
From afar, the majestic silhouette of the "Eiffel Tower" captures attention. Standing over 160 meters tall, it’s a half-scale replica of the original. The best spot to admire or photograph the tower in full is undoubtedly the Parisian Garden across the street. Standing there, you’ll feel as if you’re in Champ de Mars. With the added glow of nighttime lights, the tower becomes even more vibrant.
Stepping into The Parisian Macao’s grand lobby, the massive Neptune Fountain stands at the center—a replica of the one at Place de la Concorde in Paris. Under shifting colored lights, the fountain, marble columns, and muraled dome create a layered spectacle, as if you’ve stepped into the Grand Palais. Here, you’ll also find the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery egg tarts, beloved by David Beckham, their creamy aroma filling the entire lobby.
For those familiar with Paris, surprises abound—like the scaled-down Arc de Triomphe and the windmill of the Moulin Rouge bar.
Next is the renowned Parisian fashion streets.
The "Champs-Élysées," hailed as the world’s most beautiful avenue, has been recreated inside the resort. Lined with trendy boutiques and luxury brands, the displays in shop windows dazzle with opulence. The Parisian pursuit of fashion and extravagance is palpable just by walking through.
At one end of the Champs-Élysées lies "Place Vendôme," where the 57-meter-tall Vendôme Column stands imposingly, adorned with 1,352 intricate reliefs. The animated projections on the ceiling, transitioning from day to night, add to the enchantment.
At the other end is "Galerie Vivienne," a classic 18th-century French architectural style featuring a glass-roofed arcade. Flanking the main avenue are "Avenue Montaigne" and "Rue Saint-Honoré." Together, these five famous Parisian fashion districts form The Parisian’s shopping center in a two-horizontal, three-vertical layout.
Then there’s the touch of French romance and elegance.
On the tower’s observation deck, you’ll encounter the "Pont des Arts," the Seine’s love lock bridge, which has witnessed countless tender moments and carries countless cherished emotions.
If you’re seeking a style upgrade, step into The Parisian’s Fashion Gallery for a personalized makeover to refresh your look.
Wandering through streets and squares, you’ll stumble upon French-themed street performances—from lighthearted operas to eye-catching roller-skating acts.
As a UNESCO-designated #City of Gastronomy#, Macao’s culinary scene is exceptional. Dine at the elegant La Chine in the tower for Sino-French fusion cuisine, or opt for the relaxed Parisian Buffet for an authentic French feast.
Whether unwinding at the refined Brasserie or savoring dishes at the red-themed Lotus Palace, every bite is a delight.
To shake off fatigue and rejuvenate, dive into the lively aquatic attractions at Water World or unwind at the serene Spa de Paris. For families, Qube Kingdom offers a 1,800-square-meter play zone with slides, carousels, climbing frames, and more.
As night falls, set aside the day’s excitement and retreat to the elegant Champagne Suite, drifting into dreams filled with anticipation for tomorrow.
Therefore, for travelers, The Parisian Macao is undoubtedly the best choice to experience French charm without going to France. From Versailles-inspired corridor walkways to a reception hall adorned like the Louvre, in Macao, you can feel Paris just like a Parisian.
Currently, The Parisian Macao offers a special "Parisian Macao Accommodation Package," allowing you to stay in luxurious suites and explore the world's vibrancy with your loved ones.
Experience a deluxe twin room with breakfast or lunch at the Parisian Buffet. Enjoy one of three exclusive privileges: two tickets to the Eiffel Tower Observation Deck / two tickets to Qube Kingdom Kids’ Zone / two tickets to Aqua World. Additionally, a complimentary gift is included.
For a two-night stay, the exclusive privilege upgrades to one of the following: two one-way Cotai Water Jet ferry tickets from Macao to Hong Kong / two tickets to Qube Kingdom Kids’ Zone / MOP 200 dining and shopping voucher.
Stepping out of The Parisian Macao, the dazzlingly lit Eiffel Tower shines brilliantly, while the streets buzz with endless traffic as people arrive in high spirits and leave fully satisfied.
Macao is a narrow, fragmented land, yet it is also a vast and inclusive stage. It connects the mainland, bridges past and present, and faces the sea to embrace the world.
Whether the next travel destination is worth visiting is a question perhaps only answered upon departure—Macao is no exception.