The Pearl River Delta in China has become one of the most powerful financial gateways in the world. The region where the Pearl River spills into the South China Sea supports a vast economy and over 60 million people, from Shenzen to Zhuhai and Guangzhou to Hong Kong.

With a colossal and dense population and as a paramount global financial hub, the “Factory of the World” has a peerless place on the international stage. While the Pearl River Delta accounts for 0.4 percent of the land of China, in total gross domestic product, the region accounts for almost 9 percent, not to mention 36 percent of total trade. Incredibly, 5 percent of global goods are made in the Delta.

None of this however, has very much to do with Macau, except for one notable exception. As the Pearl River Delta has exploded from a collection of rural townships and agricultural prefectures since 1985, a new wealthy class has emerged and in tandem as a result, an interest in leisure and entertainment tourism. Enter the special administrative territory of Macau, the last foreign colony in China.

From the 16th century until 1999, Macau was under the domain of Portugal. Until 2049, the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration will transition the region back under the total sphere of the People’s Republic of China with a degree of self-autonomy similar to what Hong Kong enjoys under a similar agreement with Great Britain.

A busy industrial sector in Macau runs in parallel with a successful tourism push to make the city-territory one of the most affluent on the planet. Recent tourist growth rates have hit enviable levels of 13 percent and overall, Macau ranks in the top 25 in terms of visitors and foreign investment. All this for a territory that comprises a relatively miniscule 29 square kilometres – albeit with the number one population density on Earth. While many wealthy visitors come for some of the most famous casinos and resorts outside of Monte Carlo and Las Vegas, Macau’s historic heart is a worthwhile UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When in Macau, here are some attractions you may want to visit.

The Ruins of St. Paul date back to 1582 and the era of colonial rule under Portugal. The Jesuit cathedral was at the time, the most impressive in all of Asia. The south facade, built by Japanese artisans in exile from their native land because of their Christian faith, is all that remains of the original structure.

Dom Pedro V Theatre was one of the first opera house-style landmarks built in China. Built in 1860 by Portuguese craftsmen, the Neo-Classical design boasts many fabulous design features.

A-Ma Temple was built in 1488 and remains one of the most vital symbols of spiritual worship not just in Macau, but in China as a whole.

Senado Square looks very much like a traditional European town square, or pra?a in Portugal. The pulsepoint of Macau is indeed disimilar from any part of mainland China and more than any part of the territory, looks very much the part of a former colony. From the European pavement to beautiful St. Dominic’s Church and the old Portuguese senate and government landmarks, Senado Square is a must-visit.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial House was the former mansion in Macau of the “Father of Modern China”, who chose to settle on the territory with his family later in life. As the site of much revolutionary activity that would later reshape the very destiny of the country, the house today is open to the public as a museum and venerable tribute to the late leader.

Coloane Village is one of the few genuine reminders we have left of what life was once like in Macau, before the hyper-development of the past few decades swept up the populace in a wave of capitalist sentiment. With ancient temples, seaside promenades and much recreation, the area is popular with beach and golf lovers.

Discover terrific hotel rates in exquisite Macau.

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