Background

Macao is located in the South China Sea and west of the mouth of the Pearl River, occupying an area of 24 square kilometers with a population of about 450,000.

Macao is the territory of China from ancient times to the present, called Haojing in ancient times, At the 36th year during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in Ming Dynasty (1557), Macao was occupied by the Portuguese. It was the earliest port opened for trade between China and foreign countries and the earliest place where the Oriental and Western cultures encountered by the sea route. Owing to its unique geographical location and historical background, Macao has witnessed vicissitudes in the more than 400 years since its opening to the foreigners. Pursuant to the Joint Declaration of the Chinese Government and the Portuguese Government on the Question of Macao signed in 1987, China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macao on December 20, 1999.

Demonstrating the features of both an old and modern city, Macao today is a tourism and industrial city with vigor and potential for economic development. It is a port of free trade, and since the 1980s has become one of the few regions in Asia which recorded fastest economic development. Industry, tourist gambling and construction are the three pillar industries in Macao's economy.

Macao, with beautiful natural scenery , rich cultural relics and ancient sites, ideal climate and unique features of islands in South China, is a mecca for international tourism. Mage Temple, Zen Temple of Universal Relief (Avalokitesvara Temple) and Lianfeng Temple are the three ancient temples in Macao. Other tourist attractions include the Dasanba Memorial Arch, Songshan Lighthouse, Siwangyang Chapel, White Pigeon Nestle Park and Xiwan scenic zones at the southern tip of the peninsula.

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