In Asia’s Venice,straddle East and West
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, December 9, 2015
For more than 400 years, Macau has been a living testimony to the co-existence of East and West. A city with magnificent heritage buildings and Mediterranean atmosphere, its open-minded attitude and fusion cuisines has made it a popular and versatile destination for travelers from near and far. On top of that, visas are easy to get, and the tourism hub is only a short flight or train ride away. Still wondering wether to spend a weekend in this vibrant city? Here's a 48-hour guide to the peninsula and its two islands that might be just what's needed to win you over.
Day 1
9:30am
Senado Square
Hop on a taxi and drive to Senado Square. It is the most popular place for locals and visitors. Walking on the path paved by old Portuguese stones and surrounded by pastel-colored, neo-classical buildings, you are thrown a few centuries back in time. Take a stroll to nearby Kuan Tai Temple, which will give you a glimpse into the importance of each ethnic community in Macau. Here, the local Chinese community was able to actively participate in general civic affairs.
11:30am
Rua da Felicidade
Although the fancy view and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere might make you forget the time, your empty belly should make you groan by now. Walk straight and you will arrive at Rua da Felicidade, where a plethora of local snacks awaits you. Some must-tries are Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts) and pork chop buns. We'd also recommend a nibble of braised pig's feet noodles, crabs congee, rice pudding and da cai gao (vegetable jelly).
1pm
Livraria Portuguesa and Pin-To Livros
At the corner of Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva, Macau's first concrete road, you will find Livraria Portuguesa, a book store as unique as the city itself. Spend your afternoon peacefully browsing through the shelves, read books and picture albums as traditional Portuguese tunes build the perfect backdrop. Make your way through the bookcases to the second floor as well, and spend some time listening to the CDs on offer here. Pop your favorite into one of the CD players, lean back and relax.
Other bookshops worth a visit include Pin-To Livros and Pin-To Musica on Largo do Senado. Located on the second floor of Yongxing Building, the bookstore is a little hidden and far enough from the bustling shopping streets to offer some tranquility. "Pin-To" means "where to go" in Cantonese, a fitting name for a bookshop with such a vast variety of titles. Pin-To Livros also sells second-hand CDs, with a large choice of alternative music on offer. And who knows, maybe that long-lost album you've been looking for for years will be yours again?
5pm
Lego exhibition
If you are a lego fan, you can't miss the Macau × Lego Exhibiton at Senado Square and Macau Science Center, which will run through December 28. At Ritz building, the exhibition features three sets of lego models of Macau World Heritage sites and street views including Largo do Senado which is played up by lighting effects, a 1.4-meter replica of the Ruins of St Paul's and Rua de Felicidade. Don't forget to stop by the selfie booth and the "Macau Attraction × LEGO mini-figures" photo display, which features photographs of the LEGO models taken by local photographer António Leong.
Other lego models are displayed at Macao Science Center, including the starting point of the Guia Circuit of the Macau Grand Prix and a lego-built map of Macau Peninsula.
8pm
Dinner
Besides local food, the city is also a kaleidoscope of international cuisines. The Rua de Abreu Nunes — also known as "Thailand Street" — houses many Thai restaurants offering curry, boiled fish and Tom Yum Goong (a traditional spicy Thai prawn soup). The Three Lamps District (Rotunda de Carlos da Maia) has become a favorite place for a number of overseas Chinese from Myanmar, who have brought the secrets of their cuisine with them.
9pm
Entertainment
For some evening entertainment, Galaxy Macau presents a unique portfolio of entertainment and relaxation experiences once your belly is full. UA Galaxy Cinemas features 10 state-of-the-art screens, including five Director's Clubs with 3D capabilities. China Rouge is an exclusive members-only performance lounge inspired by the decadent era of old Shanghai, while Live Entertainment's stage performances are more accessible.
Do save some time for shopping. The Promenade at Galaxy Macau features more than 100,000-square-meters of retail space with more than 200 shops from luxury flagship stores and designer boutiques to high-end lifestyle brands.
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