A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple or Mazu Temple, which located on the southwest tip of the Macau, is the oldest Taoist temple in Macau, as well as the most famous one. It has a history of over 500-year, which can be dated back to 1488, even before the city of Macau came into being. In ancient times, people believed that Mazu was the "Goddess of the Sea" and the "Protector of Fishermen", so they built this solemn temple to show their devout. The whole construction consists of 4 main parts, namely the Stone Palace, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence and the Hall of Kuan Yin. The temple has been listed in the World Heritage record in 2005.
Dom Pedro V Theatre
Built in 1858, it is the oldest theatre in Macao and was the first Western-style theatre to open in China. This striking green and white neoclassical theatre was designed by a Portuguese architect and today remains a highly significant cultural landmark among the local community. It still serves as a venue for important public events and celebrations. Originally, the theatre was a venue for mainly drama, opera, concerts and local high-society activities. It had a stint as a cinema, too, and thereafter became the venue for “Crazy Paris Shows”, featuring adult entertainment.
However, the theatre was restored in the late 1980s by the government and was listed as one of the historical buildings of the Historic Centre of Macao, which was listed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in July 2005.
Mandarin's House
Built in 1881, the Mandarin’s House was the residence of the famous 19th-century Chinese thinker Zheng Guanyin. Though understated from the street, this historic family compound consists of a staggering total of 60 rooms and was, at the time, Macao’s largest private residence. Built mainly in the traditional Chinese style with brick courtyards, a moon gate and intricately carved doors, it also incorporates Western elements, such as false ceilings and French windows that look out to the Inner Harbor from the main hall. Following restoration work in the early 2000s, the house is now open to the public for tours.
Guia Fortress
The Guia Fortress is the highest point in Macao, offering outstanding views of the peninsula as well as a glimpse into the city’s military and missionary history. Built between 1622 and 1638, following an unsuccessful attempt by the Dutch to take Macao from the Portuguese, the fortress also includes a western-style lighthouse and chapel. Dating back to 1865, the lighthouse was the first of its kind on the Chinese coast and is still in use today. The chapel, built in 1622, is dedicated to Our Lady of Guia (or “Guidance”) and was constructed by Clarist nuns to provide soldiers with religious services. In 1996, restoration work revealed frescoes lining the wall depicting both western and Chinese themes. Guia Fortress can be reached by cable car, car or foot.
Ruins of St. Paul
The Ruins of St. Paul's is the top ranked and the most attractive tourist spots in Macau, which can be considered the symbol and landmark of this fascinating city. It is actually the remained arch-structure of the church of St. Paul.
Firstly completed at the year 1580, the church of St. Paul has its architecture combined Renaissance-style and oriental-style in harmonious way. Experienced the baptism of fire for three times, this well decorated and furnished church been destroyed and only the stone facade can tell people its brilliant glories in the old times.
Carmo Fair (Taipa Old Market)
The Taipa market was constructed by the Macau government on 14th September 1886 at a cost of 800,000 Reis (about MOP1,600) which was split between the Public Works Bureau and the Taipa and Coloane Municipal Commission.
The building has a roof in the typical Chinese style, covered with tiles and secured with lime. The supporting pillars are in the popular local style of new classicum, decorated in localized Greco-Roman classical style.