Luke’s Macau
Michigander Luke Lienau’s relationship with Macau began in 2002 with a visit to see his girlfriend, a native of the Chinese Special Administrative Region. In the course of traveling back and forth for nearly a decade, he became fascinated with the city and its changes. When Luke finally decided to move to be with his now-wife and daughter, leaving behind his corporate job to work as an English tutor, his passion for Macau only grew. “I am proud to be able to observe and participate in what is likely the most important era in the city’s history since its founding nearly 500 years ago,” he says. Here are a few of Luke’s favorite things about the Monte Carlo of the Orient.
Follow Luke’s story on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Macau Is My City
When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is the 16th-century Ruins of St. Paul’s.
You can see my city best from Macau Tower or Guia Lighthouse.
Locals know to skip Senado Square and check out the islands Taipa or Coloane instead.
The small streets in the Inner Harbor area are the places to buy authentic, local souvenirs.
In the past, notable people like business billionaire Stanley Ho, poet Luís Vaz de Camões, and actress Michelle Reis have called my city home.
My city’s best museum is the Macau Museum of Art because it has amazing temporary exhibits highlighting local artists from mainland China.
If there’s one thing you should know about getting around my city, it’s that you can walk almost everywhere, but beware of the taxis during peak season. It helps to get to know the bus system.
The best place to spend time outdoors in my city is in Hac Sa Beach.
My city really knows how to celebrate Lunar New Year because Macau puts together some of the best displays and functions in a celebration that lasts nearly two weeks. The feeling in the air is electric.
You can tell if someone is from my city if they complain about the influx of mainland tourists.
Just outside my city, you can visit Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Hengqin, and Guangzhou.
My city is known for being the new gambling capital of the world (it overtook Las Vegas several years ago), but it’s really a city with rich Chinese history that’s sprinkled with Portuguese flavor.
The best outdoor market in my city is likely any of the city’s many wet markets, including its largest, the Red Market.
To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, read the Macau tourism website or any of the major casino websites.
My city’s biggest sports event is the Macau Grand Prix. Watch it in the fall; it’s usually held in November.
When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I just walk to any destination since most attractions are free or very cheap. Street food is also a good way to save.
The dish that represents my city best is a pork chop bun, and rice wine is my city’s signature drink.
The 19th-century Guia Lighthouse is my favorite building in town because of the magnificent view it yields.
The most random thing about my city is the speed of construction and change.
The Venetian Macao hotel or the Cultural Centre is the best place to see live music, but if you’re in the mood to dance, check out the Hard Rock Hotel Macau pool area.
Selling diapers and baby formula in the same place as gold watches and pork chop buns could only happen in my city.
In the spring you should check out the various gardens.
In the summer you should stay inside; it’s very hot and humid.
In the fall you should visit for Mid-Autumn Festival or the Macau Grand Prix.
In the winter you should come for Christmas or Lunar New Year.
In 140 characters or less, the world should heart my city because Macau represents the best of East-meets-West.
Go Further
Animals
- Cougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treksCougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treks
- Rare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginningRare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginning
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- Termite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million yearsTermite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million years
Environment
- Why the 2024 hurricane season could be especially activeWhy the 2024 hurricane season could be especially active
- Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.
- This deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the worldThis deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the world
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- This exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the worldThis exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the world
History & Culture
- This ancient festival is a celebration of springtime—and a brand new yearThis ancient festival is a celebration of springtime—and a brand new year
- See the story of Jonah and the whale like never beforeSee the story of Jonah and the whale like never before
- This ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the pastThis ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the past
- These are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit themThese are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit them
- Meet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius CaesarMeet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius Caesar
Science
- Women’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to changeWomen’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to change
- Hundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right nowHundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right now
- What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.
Travel
- A guide to Gdansk, Poland's regenerated maritime cityA guide to Gdansk, Poland's regenerated maritime city