Macau

It was the Portuguese who settled in Macau in 1557, persuading the Chinese to rent them the peninsula and establishing trade links in the region that made them very wealthy. It was this period of prosperity that created the colonial Macau we see today, with its Basilica of St Paul, the Mediterranean courtyards, luxurious villas, the hilltop lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage old city. Moreover, Macau is now seen as Las Vegas of the East, housing over 50 casinos and many ritzy hotels. There are also other sights such as Buddhist temples, war bunkers, the excellent Museu de Macau, the Macau Tower and the Fisherman’s Wharf theme park.