Top Rated Attractions in Macau

There're very few venues in the world that will enchant your heart and win you over like the The House Of Dancing Water Theater. Purposefully created for the epic theater act called the The House Of Dancing Water, this theater is a product of the hard work and imagination of all the architects and designers at Sandi Pei of Pei Partnership. The 2000-seat theater has a gigantic pool at the center with fountains dotting its rim; the pool is illuminated with bright lights and the theater itself is at its vibrant best when the act is about to commence. Acrobats, gymnasts, dancers and ballerinas all come together to perform this visual spectacle which is a beautiful love story woven in a breathtaking setting. Albeit expensive, this 16-part musical is sure to leave a lifelong memory in your heart.

The Historic Centre of Macau is a testament to its heritage as a former Portuguese colony. Located in the heart of the peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features 20 landmarks that reflect the amalgamation of Chinese and Portuguese cultures represented in its architecture. These include temples, churches and squares that have been well-preserved over centuries. The A-Ma Temple is said to have inspired the city's name, and along with the 16th-century Ruins of St. Paul's, is one of the most visited attractions in Macau. Others include Cathedral Square and Senado Square, as well as the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, the Moorish Barracks, Mandarin's House, St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, and Dom Pedro V, each a different facet of Macau's history.

Akin to the Fountains of Bellagio, Wynn Performance Lake is a dramatic water show with lights and fire. The fascinating performance is staged at the entrance of the Wynn Macau where over 300 jets shoot up water in the air to the tunes of Broadway, classical or popular tunes. The dazzling show though only lasts for three minutes and reoccurs every 15 minutes, leaving an impression that lasts long.

Wide stone steps lead up to the ruins of this 17th-century Christian cathedral, all that remains of this once magnificent edifice following a fire in 1835. Today, these ruins of a church that took nearly four decades to construct, are a part of Macau's World Heritage Sites. The cathedral has a unique allure, making it the focus of sightseeing in Macau, and the intricately designed facade showcases excellent craftsmanship. A climb up to the first tier's arched windows reveals a panoramic view of the city and a close-up glimpse of the carvings detailing the story of Christianity.

A vestige of the widespread Portuguese colonization, this fortified ensemble is one of the most intriguing sites in the country. Standing guard over the antiquated terrains of São Lázaro, this complex is perched atop Guia Hill, which is the highest point in the whole of Macau. Forming an integral part of the Historic Centre of Macau, this charming white fortress is complemented deeply by bright streaks of yellow. Sheltering the oldest lighthouse built on the Chinese coast, this picturesque fortress was built in the 17th Century to defend China's border, and now serves as a tourist lookout post with a tourist information center and a café. Engraved within its fabric are several stories of Portuguese military forces, while the beacon of the neighboring lighthouse yet bears testimony to the time that once was. Also, up here is the Chapel of Our Lady Guia, from whose bell tower storm warnings used to be rung. Round the hill are two trails for walking or jogging, with exercise stations strategically placed at intervals.

Part of the Macau Cultural Centre complex, Macau's only art museum spans five floors. Although the museum displays a permanent collection of art pieces, the first and second floors are given over to temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection includes architectural and historical pieces displayed on the third floor, as well as a collection of paintings and ceramic objects on the fourth floor. Permanent or temporary, the displays always highlight the eclectic mix of east meets west that is symbolic of Macau's history and culture.