MACAU

The Bridge over the Pearl River

With the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) in 2018, visitors suddenly had a much faster and more exciting way to travel between Hong Kong and Macau.

But this is no ordinary bridge! The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge is a 55-kilometre bridge-island–tunnel system consisting of a series of three cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, and four artificial islands. It is both the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link in the world.

The bridge-island-tunnel system crosses the waters of the Lingdingyang channel in the Pearl River Estuary linking Hong Kong in the east with Zhuhai and Macao in the west. Crossing the bridge takes just 45 minutes.

Macau is known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is the epicentre of glitz and gambling. The dazzling casinos draw in millions of tourists who come to play the tables – as this is the only place in China where gambling has been legalised.

But look beyond the world-class entertainment and you’ll find the unique heritage and culture of this ex-Portuguese colony. Blending both Chinese and Portuguese ingredients and cooking techniques, Macanese cuisine is considered to be the world’s first fusion cuisine. Portuguese egg tart is a must-eat item! The buttery flaky pastry shell filled with rich creamy custard definitely leaves a delicious aftertaste in your mouth.