Located on the west bank of the mouth of the Pearl River, bordering Guangdong province to the north and facing the South China Sea in the east and south, Macau is one of the two special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China, the other being Hong Kong. Macau, also called Macao, was returned to China as a special administrative region on December 20th, 1999. The territory has industries such as textiles, toys, and a notable tourist and gambling industry.
With a total area of only over 20 sq km. (4,942 acres), Macau consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. Macau Peninsula is the main part and the political, economic and cultural center of Macau. The Historical Center of Macao, which covers the old district with more than 20 Chinese and foreign architectures, has been listed as a world heritage. Here you can find the Chinese A-Ma Temple, Ruins of St. Paul, various Catholic and Christian churches and other historical buildings. Taipa Island is a land that has been developed later. The Macau International Airport, East Asia University and a large horseracing course can be found there. Coloane Island is the perfect choice for the more primitive, natural and mysterious explorations.

Macau is known as one of the three largest cities for gambling in the world, the other two are Las Vegas of America and Monte Carol of Morocco. For those curious and itching visitors, various recreational activities, horse racing and dog racing courses are all accessible to try one's fortune. While for the more conservative travelers, seeing the famous motorbike racing, enjoying the excitement of the seashore, and visiting night clubs, pubs and golf courses are also good choices.

As a free port, Macau is also a paradise for shopping. For the low tariff, the prices of the goods there are relatively lower. Macao can also satisfy those who are very particular about food, because this small land can offer Chinese dishes of Macau, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shanghai and foreign dishes of Portugal, Japan, Korea, Thailand, etc.

Macau has a humid subtropical climate, with average relative humidity between 75 percent and 90 percent. Seasonal climate is greatly influenced by the monsoons, and differences in temperature between summer and winter are marked. The average annual temperature of Macau is 22.7 °C (72.9 °F). July is the warmest month, with average temperature being 28.9 °C (84.0 °F). The coolest month is January, with average temperature 15.0 °C (59.0 °F). As located in the coastal region of south of China, Macau has ample rainfall, with average annual precipitation being 2,030 millimeters. However, winter is mostly dry due to the monsoon from mainland China. Autumn in Macau, from October to December, is sunny and warm with low humidity. Winter, which is from January to March, is warm and sunny. Humidity starts to increase in spring from April to June, and in summer from July to September, the climate is warm to hot and humid with rain and occasional typhoons.

Now Macau has become a famous free port for the businessmen of the world. It is also an ideal tourist destination for its charming scenery and distinctive cultures.