Hong Kong/Macau - Main Counrty Page [Accommodating Asia]

Hong Kong/Macau - Main Counrty Page [Accommodating Asia]: "Macau It's neighbour across the Pearl River, on the other hand boasts a rich mix of Portuguese and Chinese traditions and is charming in all of its manifestations. Although those of Chinese ancestry make up more than 95% of the population, there has been much more of a melding of the two cultures here than can be seen between the British and the Chinese in Hong Kong. The cities roller-coaster existence is fascinating. Macau was once one of the richest cities in world when it was literally the gate keeper between China and western trade. However, those heady times gave way to some early tourism ventures when Hong Kong assumed the prime east west trading role after the Opium Wars. The only location in the region where it was legalized, gambling became a major source of revenue for the enclave. Cultural events such as westerns musical reviews and opera also attracted visitors and the number of hotels and restaurants grew to handle the influx. Portugal's' neutral stance during Wold War II resulted in its being spared the devastation of others around it and it became a sanctuary for refugees from Hong Kong and the China Coast, swelling its population until the churches and theatres were brimming with cots. Now a Special Administrative Region of China (since December 1999), Macau's charm remains in it's unique blend of Old World Portugal and New World China. Tourism continues to be the majority of Macau's revenue base and, although gambling alone contributes to over 50% of the government budget, you don't have to go near the casinos to truly experience it's best. No other city in Asia can boast Grand Prix car racing, renowned cultural festivals that bring life to the city throughout the year, and such a fascinating mix of temples and churches. "