The
name Macau came from a 16th century legend. It is widely
believed that when the first Portuguese arrived in Macau
and asked local natives for the name of the island,
the natives mistook their question for a temple and
replied "A-magao", and the Portuguese took
the phonetic pronunciation and named the island Macau.
Today, Macau has developed into a cosmopolitan city,
but its cuisine has retained a strong Protuguese flavour,
and has given birth to a host of famous Macau eateries
as well as restaurants specializing in regional cuisines,
turning Macau into a haven for food.
Reclamation
Area
A
Kun Iam statue stands guard at the New Reclamation Area,
looking over Macau's unusual nightlife area. Here, one
can enjoy magical views of the harbour and the Taipa
Bridge, sample delicacies from around the world, visit
local pubs and bars, or lounge at the European-style
outdoor cafes. New Reclamation Area is Macau's Lan Kwai
Fong, a hit with yuppies in recent years.
The
New Road
The
New Road is Macau's main street and is officially called
the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, but out of habit most
Macanese call it, quite simply, The New Road. Flanking
the Road are shops bearing signs of old Portuguese lifestyle,
and some of them have been turned into restaurants.
The square in front of Leal Senado is famous food street;
the ground is paved with cobblestones imported from
Portugal. A picturesque location reminiscent of Europe,
it is a popular destination for tourists.
Avenida
de Horta e Costa / Three Cornucopias
In
Macau's famous "circuit" stands a lamp post with three
cornucopieas, thus local residents call this place the
Three Cornucopias. The Three Cornucopias is not a large
space, and as visitors weave through the alleys, they
could find many stores selling antiques, fruits, clothings
and food. Many Burmese Chinese live in this area and
have brought their cuisine to this area. There is a
wide selection of Burmese restaurants here, perfect
for someone looking for authentic Burmese cooking.
Coloane
/ Taipa
Coloane
is one of the offshore islands in Macau. The island
has lush vegetation and rolling hills, and its beautiful
scenery features strolling walks along woodlands where
hikers can look out onto the beach and nearby islands.
Coloane makes an ideal resort destination, a getaway
for city dwellers looking for temporary escape from
the hustle and bustle of city life. Nearby, Taipa has
undergone rapid development in recent years, and features
many upmarket hotels and important structures. However,
Taipa has manged to retain its unique village atmosphere,
and its wide streets and fresh air makes it an equally
popular holiday destination.
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