We head to the streets to find out what makes Macau tick as it celebrates its 10th anniversary

text TC Li

Photography Jaime Hojje Lee

Cornu, Maxime

22歲 22 years old

法國人 French

大學學生 University student

Why I love Macau: I like the unusual mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, and also that it’s just an hour away from Hong Kong. I’ve come on a three-day trip. I like the museums and snacks like the egg tarts; the casinos are secondary to all that.

Lau, Kimberly

22歲 22 years old

香港人 Hong Kong

大學學生 University student

Why I love Macau: There’s something very relaxing about Macau. It’s a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. At the same time it’s also a happening place in itself, especially the area around Rotunda de Carlos da Maia.

Lee, Sangmi 李尚美

Why I love Macau: This is my first time to Macau; I’m keen on checking out the world heritage sites. The locals are super-friendly, which makes this place even more attractive: I wasn’t sure where to get off the bus this morning and a local guy kindly came to my rescue.

He, JIU 何九

Why I love Macau: It’s been my home since I moved here aged nine. The quality of life here is good.

Insider tips: Try the Sun Fung Fan (New Sail) Restaurant in Taipa if you wish to catch a glimpse of the locals tucking into cheap and scrummy Chinese dishes, over small talk about all and sundry.

Sousa, Toni

59歲 59 years old

葡裔澳門人 Portuguese Macanese

擔任導遊已有 32 年 tourist guide for 32 years  

Why I love Macau: I was born and raised in Macau. I adore the historical sites that you stumble across all over the place.

Insider tips: Fernando’s is the place to go if you want to have a taste of authentic Portuguese food. Also, don’t just hit the casinos; go and visit the Ruins of St Paul’s, St Joseph’s Seminary and Church, and the Mazu Temple.

Oyama, Keiko

29歲 29 years old

日本人 Japanese

文員 Office clerk

Why I love Macau: Much of the Portuguese colonial influence is preserved, so that it feels like walking down a historical trail. I love the cityscape of Macau, as buildings are generally low so you get to see the clear blue sky.

Tze-Kwan, Wong

74歲 74 years old

澳門人 Macanese

自12歲開始便以賣煙為生 tobacco vendor (since he was 12!)  

Why I love Macau: There haven’t been any drastic changes to the slow pace of life I’ve enjoyed all these years.

Insider tips: You don’t need to rise as early as 5am, as I do every morning, but it may be a good idea to take a morning walk up and down Guia Hill – where the Guia lighthouse stands – before treating yourself to a yum cha breakfast.

Fong, Kate

21歲 21 years old

澳門人 Macanese

大學學生 University student

Why I love Macau: It’s easy to get around. Plus I like the laid-back life in Macau. I feel that there’s breathing space as it isn’t too crowded. Insider tips: Sai Van Lake is a nice place to chill at night. Or, you can take a stroll around the exquisite Dom Pedro V Theatre.

Berlin, Fredrika

39歲 39 years old

瑞典人 Swedish

護士 Nurse

Why I love Macau: Macau is small and yet it has everything, not least the juxtaposition of the old and new. It’s a great place to live in because of the climate and picturesque surroundings like Coloane, connected by beautiful old alleys.

Wong, Kelvin 黃家宏

22歲 22 years old

香港人 Hong Kong

大學學生 University student

Why I love Macau: I’ve been to Macau quite a few times. I just love the food here. Aurora, an Italian restaurant in Taipa, is definitely worth a try. And of course taking your pick from the various snack stands is a treat, too.