Macau - located on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta in southern Guangdong Province, China - adjoins the Mainland city of Zhuhai and lies some 60 kilometres to the west of Hong Kong. Macau comprises Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane islands. Macau Peninsula is the hub of the territory and is connected to TaipaIsland by three road bridges. Several large international hotel resorts - with new supporting infrastructure - are located on the reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane in the newly developed district known as Cotai.

The Portuguese arrived and settled in Macau in the mid 16th Century. Thus, the city’s architecture, art, religion, traditions, food and community reflect the integration of Chinese, Western and Portuguese cultures. Macau became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on 20th December 1999 and exercises a high degree of autonomy under the principle of "One country, two systems". The tiny SAR is growing in size with more buildings on reclaimed land, and in the number and diversity of its attractions. In 2005, The Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a result of its unique historical and cultural landscape. Macau is currently positioning itself as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure as it develops into a quality international tourist destination.

(Source: www.macautourism.gov.mo)