Macao is often referred to as the "Las Vegas of Asia"

 

Macao, a small Chinese special administrative region, is often referred to as the "Las Vegas of Asia" due to its reputation for casinos and gambling. However, locals want to show that there is more to Macao than just its casinos. With a rich cultural heritage, a blend of Portuguese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, Macao offers a unique experience for visitors who are willing to explore beyond the glitz and glamour of its casinos.

For locals like Vivian Lai, a second-generation Macao resident, the tradition of gambling is limited to once a year, on Chinese New Year, for good luck. While the city's skyline is dominated by casinos, locals like Lai and Marina Fernandes, an eighth-generation Macanese, emphasize that there is more to Macao than just gambling.

Macao's history as a Portuguese colony has left a lasting legacy, with many Portuguese influences still visible in the city's architecture, cuisine, and culture. The Ruins of St. Paul's, a famous tourist attraction, is a testament to the city's rich history. Despite being a small city, Macao has a lot to offer, from its beautiful museums to its vibrant neighborhoods.

However, the city's small size and strict working policies for foreigners can make it challenging for expats to settle in. Ricardo Balocas, a Lisbon native who moved to Macao in 2013, has held various jobs in the city and estimates that about half of the expat Portuguese population left during the pandemic due to Macao's strict requirements.

Despite these challenges, Balocas is passionate about preserving Macao's Portuguese heritage and encourages visitors to explore beyond the casinos. He recommends visiting the Macao Tower observation deck to see the city's compact layout and getting lost in its alleys to discover its hidden gems.

Macao's cultural power lies in its unique blend of influences, and locals like Fernandes are working to preserve and highlight native Macanese culture. The city's small size and compact layout make it easy to navigate on foot, and visitors can explore its beautiful neighborhoods, museums, and historic sites.

In recent years, Macao has been reimagining its tourism industry, with a focus on cultural and heritage tourism. The city's government has launched initiatives to encourage visitors to explore beyond the casinos, such as pairing casinos with local streets and shops.

For visitors who are willing to dig deeper, Macao offers a unique and enriching experience. From its delicious cuisine, including traditional Macanese dishes like minchi and egg tarts, to its vibrant cultural scene, Macao is a city that has something for everyone. As Balocas says, "What I want people to explore when they come to Macao, it's to get out from the casinos, honestly. There is a lot to explore. We have beautiful museums, beautiful neighborhoods."