(澳门之旅)

Touring Macao(澳门之旅)

The Macao Special Administrative Region(MSAR) is a part of China's territory.It is located on the Southeast coast of China to the western bank of the Pearl River Delta.Bordering Guangdong Province，it is located 60 kilometers from Hong Kong and 145 kilometers from the city of Guangzhou.

The Macao Special Administrative Region has an area of 28.2 square kilometers，consisting of the Macao Peninsula(with 8.9 square kilometers and connected to Mainland China)，the islands of Taipa(6.5 square kilometers) and Coloane(7.6 square kilometers，of which the reclaimed area，COTA I，occupies 5.2 square kilometers).It is the smallest provincial unit in China.

Climate

Macao is located on the west bank of Pearl River Delta in South China，at the intersection of Mainland China and South China Sea.It is also south of the tropic of Cancer.The winds blow in opposite directions during the winter and summer.Macao is in the monsoon region and its climate is hot and wet during the summer.The weather is most comfortable from the middle of October to December.Annual average temperature is about 22.3℃，and annual average rainfall 2，031 millimeters.

History

Fishermen from Fujian and farmers from Guangdong were the first known settlers in Macao，when itwas known as Ou Mun，or“trading gate”，because of its location at the mouth of the Pearl River downstream from Guangzhou(Canton).During ancient times the port city was part of the maritime Silk Road where ships would load up with silk destined for Rome.

Even after China ceased to be a world trade centre，Guangzhou prospered from seaborne business with the countries of Southeast Asia，so the local entrepreneurs welcomed the arrival of Portuguese merchant-explorers.They followed in the wake of Jorge Alvares，who landed in southern China in 1513，and set about finding suitable trading posts.

In the early 1550，the Portuguese reached Ou Mun，which the locals also called A Ma Gao，“place of A Ma”，in honor of the Goddess of Seafarers，whose temple stood at the entrance to the sheltered Inner Harbor.The Portuguese adopted the name，which over time gradually changed into the name Macao.With the permission of Guangdong's mandarins，they established a city that within a short time had become a major transfer station for trade between China，Japan，India，and Europe.

Portugal's golden age in Asia faded as rivals like the Dutch and British took over their trade.However the Chinese chose to continue to do business through the Portuguese in Macao，so for over a century the British East India Company and others set up shops here in rented houses like the elegant Casa Garden.As Europe's trade with China grew，the European merchants spent part of the year in Guangzhou，buying tea and Chinese luxuries at the bi-annual fairs，using Macao as a recreational retreat.

Following the Opium War in 1841，Hong Kong was established by Britain and most of the foreign merchants left Macao，which became a quaint，quiet backwater.Nevertheless it has continued to enjoy a leisurely multicultural existence and makes daily，practical use of its historical buildings，in the process becoming a favorite stopover for international travelers，writers and artists.

In modern times Macao has developed industries such as textiles，electronics，and toys，as well as building up a world class tourist industry with a wide choice of hotels，resorts，sports facilities，restaurants and casinos.As in the past，Macao's economy is closely linked to that of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province，in particular the Pearl River Delta region，which qualifies as one of Asia's“little tigers”.Macao provides financial and banking services，staff training，transport and communications support.

Macao became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on December 20，1999 and，like Hong Kong，benefits from the principle of“one country，two systems”.The tiny SAR is growing in size，as more structures are built on reclaimed land and in the number and diversity of its attractions.The greatest of these continues to be Macao's unique society，with communities from the East and West complementing each other，and the many people who come to visit.

Language

Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages，with Cantonese being most widely spoken.The official languages are used in government departments in all official documents and communications.English is generally used in trade，tourism，and commerce.

Currency

The Pataca(MOP$) is Macao's official currency and is divided into 100 avos.There are banknotes and coins in the following denominations.Coins: 10，20 and 50 avos; 1，2，5 and 10 Patacas.Banknotes: 10，20，50，100，500 and 1000 Patacas.

The Macao Government decided to link the Pataca to the Hong Kong dollar(HK$)，which is accepted as currency in Macao.The exchange rate is MOP$ 103.20= HK$ 100.00.There is an acceptable variation up to 10%.Roughly 10 Patacas is equivalent to 1 EURO and 8 Patacas is equivalent to 1 US Dollar.

Foreign currency or travelers'cheques can be changed in hotels，banks，and authorized exchange dealers located all around the city.If the visitor needs to change money outside the usual banking hours，there are24-hour exchange counters operating in the Macao International Airport(Taipa Island) and in the Lisboa Hotel(Macao).Banks are normally open from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.Most credit cards are accepted in many of the hotels，shops and restaurants.There are no restrictions on the amount of currency brought into or taken out of Macao.

Tourism

Macao not only offers visitors from all over the world luxury casinos，modern car races，and a fascinating nightlife but also excitement and romance in a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.Wandering along the winding streets，one will come across baroque churches，Chinese antique shops，century-old fortresses and Mediterranean styled promenades-an enchanting fusion of Chinese and Portuguese customs.

The Historic Center of Macao: Over history Macao has been an important gateway through which western civilization entered China; for hundreds of years this piece of land has nurtured a symbiosis of cultural exchange，shaping the unique identity of Macao.

The Historic Center of Macao provides living testimony to the assimilation and continued coexistence of eastern and western cultures in this chapter of world history.It bears witness to successful East-West cultural pluralism，reflecting China's persistent openness to the influx of western cultural concepts throughout that historic time frame.It is also the fruit of mutual respect and tolerance between different cultures and civilizations.Its value lies not only in the completeness of the architectural and urban infrastructures，but also in the fact that these have retained their original function and spirit to the present day.As an integral part of the city's life，the conservation of Macao's Historic Center is crucial to the local community，while on a broader context，it represents a key part of Chinese and world history and，as such，must be preserved.

The Historic Center of Macao has now been inscribed on the World Heritage List，making it the 31^st designated World Heritage site in China.This international recognition will further raise community awareness and foster an appreciation of heritage values，thus providing a positive influence on future urban redevelopment programmes and ensure that they will emphasize heritage conservation.

Shopping

Macao isa place where you can purchase almost anything，and have a wonderful time doing it.Luxury items are cheaper here than in other cities in the region.Jewellery，particularly 24-carat gold，cameras，porcelain，electronic items，mobile phones，watches，cashmere sweaters，and silk clothing are available at very reasonable prices.

Attractions Recommendation

Leal Senado Square，Charitable Institution，St.Dominic's Church，Ruins of St.Paul，Monte Fortress，Macao City Museum，Barra Temple，Sun Yat-sen Memorial House，the Arts Garden，Cultural Center，Grand Prix Museum，Lisboa Casino，and horse race.

澳门特别行政区是中国领土的一部分，位于中国广东省东南沿海的珠江三角洲，毗邻广东省，与香港相距60千米，距离广州145千米。

澳门特别行政区由澳门半岛、氹仔和路环两个离岛组成，总面积共28.2平方千米，是中国面积最小的省区行政单位。

气候

澳门位于中国南部珠江口西侧，是中国内地与南中国海的水陆交汇处，位于北回归线以南，冬夏季风向相反，属季风区，在气候分类方面属夏季多雨暖温带气候，每年以10月中旬至12月天气最佳，最为舒适。年平均气温22.3℃，年平均降水量2031毫米。

历史

澳门的第一批居住者是福建的渔民和广东的农户，当时所以为其取名为“澳门”或“贸门”，是因为它位于从广州顺流而下的珠江口处。古时候，这个港口城市是丝绸之路的一部分，丝绸也是在这用船载去罗马的。

尽管当时中国不是世界贸易中心，广州依然忙于与东南亚国家进行海外贸易，所以当地企业非常欢迎葡萄牙开发商的到来。葡萄牙开发商是尾随乔治·奥维士来到中国，而乔治·奥维士早在1513年就来到中国南方并开始寻找合适的贸易港口。

在1550年早期，葡萄牙人就抵达澳门，澳门当时也被称为“妈阁”用以纪念海的女神。而女神的庙宇就矗立在被庇护的内部港湾入口处。葡萄牙人沿用了这个名字，逐渐演变成“Macao”，并在广东省的授权许可下，短时间内建成一个城市。从此，澳门成为一个为中国、日本、印度和欧洲进行贸易的中转站。

后来，荷兰和英国取代了葡萄牙的贸易地位，葡萄牙人在亚洲的黄金时代逐渐消退，但中国人仍然选择通过葡萄牙人在澳门做生意，因此在超过一个世纪的时间里，英国东印度公司和其他人在租赁的房屋处设立了像典雅的住处庭院般的商店。随着欧洲对华贸易的增长，欧洲客商花费一年的部分时间在广州每年两次的集贸市场上购买茶叶和中国珠宝，并把澳门当做休闲隐居处。

第一次鸦片战争后，英国和许多外国客商离开了澳门去了香港，澳门成为一个典雅的、安静的闭塞区。然而它继续享受悠闲的多文化的存在，并有效利用历史建筑，为成为国际旅游者、作家和艺术家的一个受喜爱的中途停留站而努力。

如今澳门已开发了如纺织、电子和玩具等产业，并且建立了以酒店、宾馆、体育设施、餐馆和赌博娱乐场为多选择的世界级旅游产业。就像以前一样，澳门的经济与香港、广东联系紧密，特别是珠江三角洲地区，可算得上是亚洲的“小猛虎”。

从1999年12月20日起，澳门成为中华人民共和国的一个特别行政区，和香港一样，受益于“一国两制”。最难得的是澳门继续它独特的社会氛围，继续着中西交汇，继续吸引着中外游客。

语言

中文和葡文是现行官方语言，广州话也被经常使用。官方语言被用于政府部门的文件和交流中。英语在澳门被经常使用在贸易、旅游和社交上。

货币

澳门币是澳门的官方货币单位。硬币有1毫、2毫、5毫、1元、2元、5元和10元七种，纸币面额计有10元、20元、50元、100元、500元及1000元六种。

根据官方政策，港币可以在澳门流通，且与澳门币相兑换。兑换率是港币100元兑换澳门币103.2元。兑换率的浮动不得超过10%。1欧元约兑换澳门币10元，1美元约兑换澳门币8元。银行、酒店或银号均提供兑换外币和旅行支票的服务，而且地点适中，十分方便。另外，澳门国际机场和葡京酒店内提供二十四小时兑换外币服务。银行营业时间是从早上8点到下午5点。信用卡可以在许多酒店、商店和餐厅使用。本地或外地货币可自由出入境，数量不限。

旅游

作为一个世界性的娱乐场所，澳门不仅有豪华的赌场，现代的赛车与眼花缭乱的夜生活，也有融合了东西方文化的浪漫情调与快乐享受。漫步大街小巷，可以欣赏到古朴的教堂，古色古香的文物商店，百年的炮台，地中海风格的建筑等，它们集中国传统与葡萄牙遗风为一体。

澳门历史城区:作为近代中西文化交流一个最重要的桥头堡，几百年来各种文化在澳门这块土地上互相碰撞、交流，形成了今天澳门独特的文化氛围。

澳门历史城区见证了西方文化与东方文化的碰撞与对话，证明了中国文化永不衰败的生命力及其开放性和包容性，以及中西两种相异文化和平共存的可能性。难能可贵的是，澳门历史城区到今天依然保存原有面貌并延续原有功能，不仅是澳门文化和市民生活的重要部分，更是澳门为中国文化以至世界文化留存的一份珍贵遗产。

澳门历史城区成为中国第31处世界遗产，这是世界对中华文化，对澳门四百多年中西文化交汇结晶的肯定。它将使澳门市民更加留意和关心自己土地上的文化遗产，了解澳门这个城市的魅力所在，认识自身独特的文化价值。

购物

在澳门购物的魅力无法阻挡。低税率政策、地理条件和低消费水平，造就了澳门物美价廉、处处充满惊喜的购物环境。这里的商品不但种类繁多，而且价钱较邻近地区便宜。首饰(特别是金饰)、名牌服饰、古董、瓷器、葡萄酒、电子产品及移动电话、手表、羊毛衫及丝织品，应有尽有。

推荐景点

议事亭、慈仁堂、圣玫瑰教堂、大三巴牌坊、大炮台、澳门博物馆、妈阁庙、国父纪念堂、艺术公园、文化中心、大赛车博物馆、葡京赌场、赛马等。