#20ThingsILoveAboutMacao

1. Over the years, Macau has experienced phenomenal growth. This started with the opening of The Venetian in August 2007 and since then, a number of different hotels and casinos have joined in to create a very unique platform for both visitors and the local population who live and work here.

2. Macau is only a 1-hour ferry journey from Hong Kong. It is bordered by the port of Gongbei (Zhuhai) and its local currency is the Macau Pataca.

3. "Macau Tower" : Macau Tower is a significant landmark of the city, known for a-lovely view from the-top, a magnificent structure, and an incredible construction. Constructed by Gordon Moller, this beautiful structure (338 m long) is one of the amazing places to visit in Macau.

4. "A-Ma Temple" : A-Ma Temple dates back to 1488 and is devoted to the Chinese Goddess Matsu worshiped-by seafarers and fishermen). The ancient temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Macau. It is believed that Macaus name itself was inspired by this temple.

5. "Fishermans Wharf" : Located near Maritime Terminal, Fishermans Wharf is a themed shopping mall and park, designed following Euramerican fisherman’s wharfs.

6. The newly opened Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB), which is part of a strategy to link major economies in the Pearl River Delta area to create an economic hub, is set to be a driver in the economic development.

7. The shorter commute time between cities is also seen as a pull factor for cross-border workers to work in Macau.

8. Besides, the income tax in Macau is relatively lower compared to other major cities in Asia; the tax rate is on a progressive scale, with a maximum rate of 12%.

9. "Hac Sa Beach" : Hac Sa is the largest natural beach located on the south-western side of Coloane Island and one of the serene and splendid places to visit in Macau.

10. "Kun Iam Statue" : Kim Iam statue is a 20 m tall bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy emerging from a lotus. This work of art is located in outer harbor causeway and is one of the spectacular places to visit in Macau in one day.

11. "St Lawrence Church" : Located along Macau coastline, the St. Lawrence Church is known as a praying ground for families of Portuguese sailors for a-safe return.

12. There are pretty much restaurants in every corner with different kinds of food.

13. If you are looking a more excited and get-together environment then Macau is not really a great choice, but if you like a more quiet and secure environment in my opinion Macau is the best.

14. As of work, well for some professionals the salary is pretty decent, therefore if you have a good job you’ll live just fine.

15. "Mandarin’s House" : Located by the side of Lilau Square, Mandarins house was the residence of Zheng Guanying who was a patriotic merchant of modern China.

16. "Taipa Village" : Just a few steps away from the Macaus famous Casino strip lies this traditional village which is one of the best areas of the city preserved.

17. "The Venetian Macao" : If you are tired of the museums and galleries in Macau, then the highlight of the city is still there to light up the nightlife.

18. There’s no bad conditions living in Macau. If you live and work here, you get a decent amount of salary which helps you save money with very low tax, you get to have a nightlife after work and get to try out the old and new of the city during weekends. The food is spot on with lots of restaurants to try.

19. The cost of living in Macau is still remarkably cheap compared to other similar expat hubs in Asia such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

20. The cost of living comparison of Numbeo shows that in all major cost of living indicators such as housing, food, transport, utilities, and purchasing power, Hong Kong and Singapore are significantly higher than Macau. The Statistics and Census Service of Macau (DSEC) has released a report saying that the consumer price index has increased steadily this year.