sequence
Me: Dad, Mom, where do you want to travel this year?
Mom: Anywhere
me: let me think
Me: How is Macau?
Dad: Macau is fine, but I haven’t been there yet.
Mom: Is Macau far from Hong Kong? Do you want to drop by?
me: go
Since 2017, I have been traveling with my parents, and I will make plans for them to travel twice a year. In 2017, I took them to Yunnan and Sanya, and in 2018, I took them to Beijing, Chengdu and Chongqing. How time flies, this year is already the third year. The original plan was to take them out every six months, because there were a lot of things in the first half of this year, so it was not until mid-June that they were ready for the trip.
I chose Macau and Hong Kong as my travel destinations in the first half of this year. In fact, for my parents, I can go anywhere. Playing is second, and the most important thing is that the family can be together. I took my parents with me on the previous trips, and this time my sister finally took the time, so it was the first time that our whole family really traveled together.
Macau in my eyes:
Day1: Approaching the Macau Peninsula
It takes about two hours to fly directly from Xi’an to Macau. Traveling in Macau is actually very convenient. You can take the hotel’s free bus to the pier and airport. For those who like to travel and sightseeing, you must go to the most famous Ruins of St. Paul's attractions. Although the hotel you stayed at is the Parisian Macao in Taipa, it is very convenient to travel. Take the hotel bus and get off at Sands Casino , a 20-minute walk away.
There are three sea-crossing bridges in Macau. The Friendship Bridge connecting the Macau Peninsula and Taipa was completed in 1993. The entire bridge is more than 4,000 meters long. Looking out along the car window, the buildings on the peninsula come into view at this time. Although the city of Macau is small in size, the speed of development of the whole city and the rapid rise of high-rise buildings make people sigh. The Macau Tower is now the most representative landmark here.
Halfway through the Friendship Bridge, you can see the Sands Casino in the distance. The Sands Macao opened in 2004. It belongs to a company owned by Las Vegas in the United States and is currently the largest entertainment hotel in the world. After more than 10 years of rapid development, in addition to the Sands Casino on the Macau Peninsula, the Venetian Macau (Four Seasons Hotel) in Taipa, The Parisian Macau, Sands Cotai Center (St. Regis Hotel, Holiday Inn, Conrad Hotel, Sheraton Hotel), It is said that The Londoner Macau is currently in preparation and is expected to open in 2020.
Take the bus from The Parisian Hotel in Macau and get off at Sands Entertainment City. From here, you can walk for about 20 minutes to reach the Ruins of St. Paul's. Of course, if you feel that walking is a bit troublesome, you can also take a bus in the surrounding area to quickly reach the scenic spot. However, I chose to walk with my family, because I can also see a more authentic street view of Macau while walking.
If you are a person who has the ultimate pursuit of food, then coming to Macau is definitely the best choice. Posters of Twelve Golden Chefs can be seen on the streets of Macau and in the hotels of the Sands Resort. Chef: Justin Paul, Executive Chef of Parisian Chinese Cuisine at The Parisian Macao: Zeng Qihui, Executive Chef of Chinese Kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel in Macau: Zhang Zhicai and other top chefs.
Although Macau is a small place, the roads in the city are relatively well-built. Of course, there will be large-scale traffic jams during peak hours. Walking on the streets here, the most obvious ones are the buildings in the city. The taller buildings are basically large enterprises or entertainment venues, and there are many seemingly dilapidated houses next to these high-rise buildings, perhaps because of the The reason for the large difference between the two poles gives the city a unique flavor.
The most representative of the many buildings on the Macau Peninsula should be the Grand Lisboa. It is managed and operated by the SJM under the Macau businessman Stanley Ho. There is also a Lisboa Hotel next to the Grand Lisboa. It is the whole The first five-star hotel in Macau. If the Grand Lisboa on the Macau Peninsula represents the beginning of Macau's entertainment venues, then the Sands Resort in Taipa can be said to be the representative of today's entertainment.
This June, it feels like the whole country has entered the rainy season. During the three days in Macau, it rained half of the time. When traveling that day, the weather kept changing. Before noon, the sun was already shining A little overwhelmed. Fortunately, it is not very far from the Ruins of St. Paul's. When we were about to reach the destination, there were gradually more tourists around.
The closer you get to the Ruins of St. Paul's, the more road signs here. Because I did not apply for a mobile phone card when I came to Macau this time, I rented a roaming treasure online in advance, so I relied on it for the Internet when I went out in Macau. Of course, the Gaode map is also one of the necessary artifacts. According to the results of my navigation in Macau these days, the accuracy rate is still very high.
To go to the Ruins of St. Paul's, you have to pass a narrow path, with various shops on both sides, and many shop assistants stand at the door and shout loudly to welcome the tourists who come and go. Here you can see clothing stores of well-known brands including Adidas and Nike, but after seeing the prices, you will still have doubts about whether these things are real or fake. After walking forward with difficulty in the crowd for a while, I finally saw the figure of the St. Paul's when I looked up.
Day2: Ruins of St. Paul's, the blend of European Renaissance and oriental architecture
The Ruins of St. Paul's can be said to be the most iconic building in Macau, and it is also a place where many tourists must check in when they come to Macau. It is also known as the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. It was built in 1637 and experienced three fires. It was rebuilt every time after the disaster. On October 26, 1835, only the front wall of the main entrance of the church was left. This wall looks a bit like the archway we often say, so it is called the Ruins of St. Paul's.
It is said that the church was originally designed by an Italian Jesuit priest and later built with the technical assistance of Japanese craftsmen. The entire architectural style is a fusion of European Renaissance and oriental architectural features. It is said that it was also the largest Catholic church in the East at that time. In 2005, the Ruins of St. Paul's and other cultural relics in the historic center of Macau became the United Nations World Cultural Heritage. The St. Paul’s has a history of more than 400 years, but standing here and looking at the mottled walls, perhaps you can imagine the historical picture at that time in your mind.
This time coming to Macau is the first time for our whole family to travel together. I used to take my parents out for a walk every year. My sister missed it several times because of work, so we cherish the time together this time. In fact, when I first made this travel plan, my mother said that I hope the whole family can be together. In fact, I understand what she means. I hope that my old sister and I can accompany her and enjoy the joy and happiness of the whole family.
I have traveled with my parents several times, but this is the first time with my sister. In the past few years, I have often lamented the passage of time. In my impression, I still have the impression of playing with my old sister when I was a child. Now we have worked separately for many years. Although we often see each other, because of work and our own lives. , There are very few opportunities to calm down and talk about childhood stories together.
At noon, it was really difficult to take a few photos here on the Ruins of St. Paul’s. I originally planned to set up a tripod to take a group photo of the whole family. After seeing the situation around me, I finally gave up. There were too many tourists coming and going. Many, especially many aunts who stand in the best position and take pictures non-stop, completely ignoring other people's feelings. On the top of the hill on the side of the Ruins of St. Paul's is the Fortress. You can walk up to it along the path. Although it is not large in scale, it is also one of the main places of interest in Macau.
The Macau Fortress was originally owned by the church. It was built to protect the priests in St. Paul's Church to prevent pirates, and it was later turned into a military facility area. Because Macau is adjacent to the sea, some countries at that time had been making wishful thinking. In 1622, when the Dutch attempted to invade, they used these cannons to repel them. This is also the largest and longest history among the many forts in Macau. It is not easy to preserve it until now, and it has also witnessed the history of Macau.
Standing on the Fortress, you can look at the Macau Peninsula from a distance. In fact, you can find that the buildings in the whole city are not too high, and the intersection of old and new is particularly obvious. The biggest feature is that the high-rise buildings and low-rise buildings here are full of color. Although Macau is a nice city, the population density of the city is very high, now surpassing that of Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Day3: Macao Museum, about its past and present
Next to the Fortress is the Macau Museum. Personally, I think it is better to go to the museum for a walk in any city, because there is an introduction to the city's past and present life here, just like a saying we often say, if you want to understand a city , first walk around the museum. Moreover, the Ruins of St. Paul's, the Fortress, and the Macau Museum are all in one place, so you can visit here.
In the museums we visited in the past, we can see the oldest culture of this city, but the Macau Museum is different. The history displayed here is more diverse, because Macau has experienced many different things in the hundreds of years of historical changes. There are many stories about the history, and the preserved cultural relics are very rich, including the early local history, the Portuguese trade in Macau, religious culture and so on.
The Macao Museum has a large collection of ceramics. Although some of them have been damaged, they have proved China's super high craftsmanship in this area at that time. In the trade between Macao and the outside world at that time, these ceramics and other items representing China were very popular. Today, people in Europe and many foreign countries are proud of being able to collect these Chinese works of art.
The museum is divided into three floors, two of which are located under the platform of the Fortress, and the upper floor is rebuilt from the ground building of the original weather station. The exhibition area on the first floor mainly introduces the early history of Macau, and the respective development processes before the Portuguese arrived in Macau in the 16th century. The content of the exhibition area on the second floor is local traditional culture and folk art, as well as the lifestyle and entertainment of Macao people. The exhibition area on the third floor focuses on the modern appearance of Macao, and retains some literary works with Macao as the theme.
In addition to the presentation of graphics, text and voice, there are also some more creative game interactions, which are also created with the theme of Macau's historical fragments. There is also a humanized design of the rest chair, so you can sit down and rest when you are tired. The ticket price of the museum is also relatively low, 15mop, if you have enough time or are interested in history, it is worth a walk here.
Green symbolizes peace and tranquility, and five five-pointed stars arranged in an arc symbolize the Chinese government's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macau. The lotus, the bridge and the sea represent the natural geography and landscape of Macau, and they also entrust the good wish of maintaining stable development after Macau's return to the motherland. This is the regional flag of the Macau Special Administrative Region: the five-star lotus green flag.
Day4: Love Lane, a colorful world
There is a colorful alley near the Ruins of St. Paul's, called Love Lane. This alley is actually very short, but the combination of various colors makes it a place where many young people like to take pictures, and the buildings here are also full of European style. Walking here, it feels as quiet and comfortable as if you have traveled to a European town .
Love Lane is really a good place for taking portraits, with colorful walls, doors and windows, and there are some flowers and plants in the middle of the path, which is also a very good choice for the foreground of shooting. Because Love Lane is very small and there are a lot of tourists, it is not recommended to take pictures of large scenes here. It is also recommended to take vertical pictures with mobile phones or cameras. Keep smiling, turn your head inadvertently, and add a variety of movements and expressions of characters, which will also add a lot of points to the photos you take.
It was still cloudy in the morning, and the sun was shining again at noon. When my elder sister and I were taking pictures in Love Lane, my parents were a little tired and sat across the road waiting for us. When my elder sister saw my parents sitting like this, she suddenly pulled me to take a wrong photo. Later, I showed this photo to my dad, and the response I got was to laugh out loud. Some casual photos during the journey will make us remember those moments even more.
The Macau Rose Church has a history of more than 400 years. It was built on the basis of the prayer room and monastery built by the Catholic St. Dominican Church in the 1690s. The Rose Hall was extensively renovated in 1997. The entire church looks small, but there are a large number of oil paintings, sculptures and religious artifacts here, showing the history of Roman Catholic churches in Asia for hundreds of years.
The whole church is full of Baroque architectural style. From the outside, it looks like there are three floors, and it is said that they are all open to the public for free. The whole church is not large in scale, but every pattern decoration here is so perfect, the reliefs on the main altar, the stained glass patterns, etc., make people full of admiration and respect for the craftsmanship here.
Like many churches, this place is also free and open to the public. You must abide by the rules when entering the church, and you must not make loud noises, so as not to disturb those who are devoutly praying. The parade of the icon of Our Lady of Fatima held by the Rosary Church on May 13 every year is one of the important festivals of the local Catholic Church. World Peace.
Macau at the end of June was surprisingly hot. After going out for a long time, the whole body was wet and humid. In addition, there was no air conditioner in the church. After walking around, it was too hot. However, the witty sister pulled the fan from the mother standing in the church A cool breeze blew in front.
The square in front of the meeting hall should be one of the busiest squares in Macau. Because it is relatively close to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, and there are many shops and benches around it, a large number of tourists gather here. In the center of the square stands a fountain, which is the representative symbol here. You can see that the buildings here are colorful, yellow, pink, green, etc., but these are the colors specially added after the later restoration. Among them, the Hall of Mercy here is the oldest charity institution in Asia.
Senado Square is located in the central area of Macau. The governors of Macau who have been in office all the time will hold ceremonies here to inspect the navy and army stationed in Macau. Nowadays, many buildings in Senado Square have been rated as monuments and buildings with architectural artistic value, and are listed as protected cultural relics. It is said that the facades of shops here cannot be changed at will, and the government only allows changes to the interior structure.
Day5: Macao Municipal Affairs Bureau, an exhibition of intangible cultural heritage that I accidentally encountered
The predecessor of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macau was the General Administration of Civil Affairs of Macau. It was officially established as the Municipal Administration on January 1 this year. Now it is one of the must-see places for many tourists to Macau. In fact, this place is a bit like a civic center in our mainland cities. It is basically responsible for urban planning and construction, public health, cultural and recreational activities, environmental protection and protection of residents’ living standards. It is basically responsible for everything related to Macao citizens.
In fact, many government units in China generally refuse outsiders to enter, but the Macao Municipal Administration can allow visitors, which is very humane. 2019 is the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. When I came to the Municipal Administration, I just caught up with the "Root and Soul-Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition". In fact, I have some understanding of some intangible cultural heritages in Hangzhou, but I am a little excited to see their "figures" in Macau this time.
Zhejiang is a grand event with many intangible cultural heritage, including folk opera, folk folk art, folk dance, folk music, folk plastic arts, folk literature, traditional handicrafts, folk customs and so on. It is said that a total of 40 participating projects and 59 non-heritage inheritors participated in the exhibition this time. I am very interested in Chinese folk art, especially when I went to Shaoxing, I still have a fresh memory of the local traditional handicrafts. Seemingly simple and ordinary works of art have very complex craftsmanship.
While understanding the history and culture of a place, we must also understand the traditional folk culture, because the evolution of everything is derived from the environment in which people live. The cultures of different regions are also quite different, but it is people who inherit and carry forward these cultures, and the diversified folk culture has formed a bright culture. It is not easy to preserve and inherit it from ancient times to the present for 5000 years in China. .
The intangible cultural heritage exhibition can not only let more Macao compatriots understand the profound cultural background of China, but also deepen the cultural exchanges between Zhejiang and Macao. When learning through pictures, texts and videos, tourists can also participate in it in person, and try to make these exquisite works of art by themselves under the guidance of these intangible cultural heritage inheritors.
This kind of cultural exchange is a better and more comprehensive way for Macao citizens to understand Zhejiang's intangible culture. In fact, I hope that more cities in mainland China can hold events in Macao and Hong Kong. Of course, the Macau government can also bring their history and culture to the mainland, so that more people can understand a different Macau. I hope this little wish of mine can come true soon.
The building of the Municipal Administration of Macau is also full of characteristics. The style of white walls and green windows is really rare, but it is not because of time. I really want to experience it here slowly and learn about the life of Macau citizens. In fact, you can only simply know some cultures when you go to the scenic spots, but if you want to truly understand and integrate into this atmosphere, you have to change the way.
Day6: The streets of Macau, walk here, read here
Every city has its duality, including Macau. When we see tall buildings and magnificent hotels, there is a completely different side in some depths of the city. Nowadays, the rapid development of the city makes it difficult for people to think of the miniatures that witnessed the historical changes. If you like to feel the taste of the old city of Macau, you must walk every street here.
Originally, I planned to drop by Ho Tung Library for a walk, but I forgot about it when I reached the Gangdingqian near the inclined alley of the theater. It is also a very good place. Among them, Dome Theater, Ho Tung Library, St. Augustine Church, and St. Joseph Monastery are all masterpieces of the combination of Chinese and Western styles, and belong to the oldest Western-style buildings in Macau's world cultural heritage.
The biggest feeling of coming to Macau is that this city is really beautiful, colorful buildings can be seen everywhere, and each one is a good place for taking pictures. Every time I took my parents on a trip before, I would take a lot of photos of them, but this time when I came to Macau, the subject of the photo was basically my elder sister. Hey, it really is a girl who loves to take pictures and can't afford to be hurt.
Dad likes to take pictures every time he travels. I remember that when he took them to Yunnan for the first time in 2017, his mobile phone memory was full on the first day of the trip. Haha, but I can understand that my parents have been busy all their lives. I didn't travel far when I was there, and now I have time to go out for a walk, so I hope they are all well.
Whether it is the city center or the streets and alleys, you can feel the civilization of this city, and the cars and motorcycles parked on the roadside are neat and orderly. Compared with the fast-paced life in Hong Kong, Macau is much more comfortable. However, because the population density of this city is relatively high, the buildings built here are very dense, basically one by one, so sometimes I feel that my life is quite happy.
Xiwangyang Mountain Garden belongs to the high-end residential area of Macao Peninsula. Now it has become a niche attraction. It is named after the Church of Our Lady on the top of the mountain. However, most tourists come here because of its relatively high geographical location. Standing on the top You can see the scenery of the Macau Peninsula from a distance, and many young people will choose this place when they take wedding photos.
Mom: I don't want
Sister: Listen to me, it’s absolutely beautiful to take pictures with
Dad: Hahaha
me: click
In the distance is the Macau Tower, with an overall height of 338 meters. It is the tenth largest independent sightseeing tower in the world. It is a member of the World Federation of Tall Towers and is now a new landmark of Macau. Many variety shows will be recorded in Macau. If you are a person who likes to be full of challenges, then you have to experience the world’s highest 233-meter bungee jump here. It may be the most unforgettable moment in your life.
Day7: Fisherman's Wharf, a building complex that feels the atmosphere of Rome
Fisherman's Wharf is the first theme park in Macau and a shopping center imitating European and American Fisherman's Wharf. It can be reached from the Parisian by taking the bus to Sands Entertainment City and getting off at the Sands Entertainment City. It combines different architectural features and Chinese and Western cultures, allowing tourists to enjoy themselves in China. You can feel the different play experience and architectural style. However, the weather was not beautiful, and it started to rain when we first arrived here.
Fisherman's Wharf is divided into three themed areas: Tangcheng District, which showcases ancient Chinese culture, and the east-west converging area with five themed constructions. Legendary Wharf is composed of representative buildings from many European countries. However, due to the rain here, I chose the nearby ancient Roman performance area. It is also very good to feel the rich history through these mottled city walls.
The ancient Roman performance area uses a realistic architectural system to make people feel the real historical atmosphere of ancient Rome. There is also a multi-purpose stage that can accommodate 2,000 people and covers an area of 190 square meters. The architectural design is modeled after the Roman Arena. High-quality audio-visual equipment, it is said that there are performances here at special times. Perhaps it was also because of the rain, but there was no one there when I came here.
I originally planned to have a good time at Fisherman's Wharf, but at this time the rain was getting heavier and heavier. I checked the weather forecast and it would be raining for the next few days, so I had no choice but to take a car back to the hotel. This time I stayed in Macau for three days, and half of the time it was raining, so I didn’t finish the destination listed at the beginning, but spending the rest of the time in the hotel can also make it easier for my parents. As for Guanye Street Wait for the other attractions to experience it when you bring your parents to Macau next time.
Day8: The Parisian Macao, Paris style through time
This is the third time for me to come to Macau. What attracts me is not only the scenery here, but also the food and sense of life here. Some people say that Paris is the capital of romance. In fact, Macau today also has such an atmosphere and elements. The Parisian Macao is one of the most popular hotels in Macao today. The iron tower in front of the hotel is its business card, and this time I bring my parents to Macao, I hope they can feel the luxury and romance here.
The Eiffel Tower of The Parisian Macao is one of the must-see places for many tourists to come here. The hotel and the Eiffel Tower behind it have become the best background at this time. The dream that once dreamed of being under the Eiffel Tower can be realized in Macau today.
The Parisian Macao not only has the Eiffel Tower built according to the 1/2 scale of the Eiffel Tower, you can truly feel its luxury only when you step into the hotel lobby. The most eye-catching thing is the Fountain of Neptune in Florence, Italy, which was built to celebrate the wedding of Cosimo’s son Francesco and Joanna of Austria. to its story.
It is not an exaggeration to compare the lobby of The Parisian Macao to an art paradise. It is full of classic and modern design elements. It is said that the Neptune Fountain in the center of the lobby has taken the designer team a whole year to ponder. Almost 20 tons of clay were used to build it. The top of the hall is round, and if you look carefully, you can also enjoy the murals of the twelve gods of Olympus in ancient Greece.
The Parisian Macao is one of the most luxurious hotels I have stayed in so far. On both sides of the lobby are the check-in front desks. There are multiple workbenches so that there will be no queues due to crowds. The staff here can speak both Chinese and English. Multilingual communication, more importantly, The Parisian Macao has won the Golden Key Award from Meetings & Conventions magazine.
The scale of Macau hotels is definitely one of the best in the world, and The Parisian Macau is the most classic among many hotels. Walking here is like being in a palace full of art. Huge chandeliers shine in the entire corridor, and there are first-line luxury stores at home and abroad on both sides. How about shooting a group of fashion blockbusters in this environment?
The most user-friendly service of The Parisian Macao can be seen when you check in and check out. There are two front desks in the lobby square of the hotel, and there is also a free luggage storage desk in the north wing area of this stay. If you want For fast check-out, there will be a drop box for quick check-out at the entrance of the floor, and you can leave after putting the room card in. If you are a VIP customer of the hotel, you can enjoy the service of entering the VIP reception room, which has free coffee and snacks. After checking in, the staff will also send the luggage directly to the room.
The Parisian Macao has more than 3,000 rooms and suites. I remember staying in the Eiffel room the last time I came, so this time I chose the chic champagne suite for my family. The entire guest room is designed in French style, with silver-gray and champagne-colored lighting in the room. It has a large space of 72 square meters. There are sliding doors on both sides of the living room and bedroom, which enrich the layered sense of the room. The most praiseworthy thing is the bedroom. The bedding is very comfortable, and I slept very soundly in Macau these days. Oh, by the way, there is also a free massage machine in the room.
The modern facilities in the room are all available, including coffee capsules, personal safe, free wifi, flat-screen LCD TV with international satellite channels, so that the time spent in the hotel is no longer boring. For me who often travels and carries more electronic devices It is said that the number of sockets in the room is very important. There are many sockets from the living room to the bedroom and the bathroom, which greatly solves the problem of charging equipment, and the Parisian room does not need a plug converter.
The champagne suite of the Parisian really made the old lady grow grass. What she likes most is the cloakroom in the room, the oversized round mirror, a separate dressing table, soft bathrobes and other items. In the words of the old lady, makeup in the morning Never have to go to the sink again. Really, if you are a girl who loves beauty, you deserve the Champagne Suite at The Parisian Macao.
The bathroom is made of gray and white marble, which looks spacious and bright. Both the shower room and the bathtub have a hydromassage function. What is exaggerated is that the shower here actually has water from three directions. This is the first time I have seen such advanced equipment. The toiletries are actually from the Italian luxury brand Roberto Cavalli, which is fresh and fragrant. The toilet is equipped with automatic lid opening and heating and cleaning functions, which is very convenient.
At The Parisian Macao, you can not only enjoy shopping, but also taste delicious food on the tip of your tongue. Friends who love food must be familiar with Jade Ramen Xiaolongbao. The specialty food originated in Singapore has more than 100 stores in more than 30 countries around the world. Since 2009, it has been recommended by the "Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau" every year. Bib Gourmand, now available at The Parisian Macao.
Xiaolongbao is the signature here. Its shape and taste are actually similar to domestic Shanghai Xiaolongbao. The skin is thin, and the soup leaves after a light bite. It is very rich and the meat filling is also very fragrant. Gently lift, move slowly, open the window first, then drink soup, full of flavor, this is the real way to eat, don't be in a hurry, it is easy to burn your mouth.
From the name of the restaurant, it can be known that in addition to Xiaolongbao, Dandan Ramen is also the main one. According to the staff of the restaurant, the noodle soup of the ramen has been simmered for more than eight hours with various ingredients such as pork bone and Jinhua ham, and the ramen is also very chewy. This should be the most delicious ramen I have ever eaten.
Many people think of Macau as an entertainment city, but it is also a shopping paradise. Whether it's The Parisian Macao or The Venetian, there are all the world's first-line fashion and luxury brands gathered here. From clothing to cosmetics, from luggage to various souvenirs, it can be said that as long as you want, your shopping heart can be satisfied here.
Now that you have come to The Parisian Macao, you must also visit this place that gathers global luxury brands. Although this is only a hotel that integrates dining and shopping, you can also feel the romantic atmosphere of Paris. Champs-Elysées, Rue Saint-Honoré, these fashion indicators in Paris can be found in The Parisian Macao , walking here and listening to the beautiful melody sounded, as if it also made me travel to the Paris of my dream.
Whether it’s The Parisian Macao or other shops of Sands hotels, WeChat and Alipay can now be used. It’s really possible to buy whatever you want without bringing cash when you go out, and there will be some small activities from time to time. In addition to shopping, Parisian also has conference halls, specialty restaurants, spa centers, children's theme water parks and swimming pools, health clubs, Parisian theaters that can accommodate 1,200 people to watch world-class entertainment performances, etc.
The Parisian Macao has many well-reputed restaurants, whether it is a buffet restaurant with a wide variety, to the romantic Parisian Restaurant, or the Lotus Palace that suits everyone's tastes, they are all the best choices for gourmets. In the recent Twelve Golden Kitchen series, Zeng Qihui is the Chinese executive chef of Parisian Restaurant, but this time I chose the Parisian French restaurant.
The French restaurant is located on the third floor of the Parisian Hotel. It opens at 10:00 in the morning and accepts reservations. The environment of the restaurant is comfortable and elegant, full of French style, so that you can have a feeling of being in France when dining. Here you can choose either a set meal or a la carte. If you are a vegetarian lover, you must try the highly recommended organic seasonal "New Cooking" vegetarian menu "Green Cuisine" Vegan Menu. Foie gras is one of the most classic dishes in French cuisine. The foie gras is grilled just right without a trace of fishy smell. The combination of matsutake mushrooms and butter is added. The meat is delicate and has a slight milky aroma.
French baked snails is my personal favorite dish. I have been to the Parisian French restaurant twice, and this dish is a must for me. Because the Burgundy snails in the restaurant are airlifted from France, and it is a high-quality food rich in high protein, low fat, and low cholesterol. It tastes fat and juicy, and it is really hard to stop.
Beef tenderloin with black pepper is also a signature dish of French restaurants. Since my parents are old, I chose 7 medium rare. The steak is very big, and you can see how it is fried just by cutting it with a knife. When dipped in the black pepper sauce, the meat tastes tender. After finishing the appetizer and main course, don't miss the exquisite dessert and order a glass of French champagne.
After eating, while it is still early, go to the outdoor swimming pool to feel the coolness of summer. Sitting on the lounge chair by the pool and looking at the Eiffel Tower not far away, this long-lost slow time is the most enjoyable. Life can be busy at times, but don't forget to treat yourself anytime.
The Venetian Hotel was built relatively early, and now the Parisian Macao and the Venetian have achieved intercommunication. Tourists and hotel guests only need 10 minutes to walk from the Parisian to the Venetian along the signs. You can also go directly to Sands City through the sky bridge outside the Venetian Hotel.
Day9: The Venetian Macao, the water city world in the East
The Venetian Macao is located on Avenida de Notre Dame Bay, Taipa Cotai Strip, separated from The Parisian Macao. It was a sensation when it opened in 2007. Although entertainment hotels are blooming everywhere in Macau, The Venetian still has a pivotal position in Macau, and it is also one of the must-see places for many tourists.
If you are a fan of variety shows, you can see The Venetian Macao in the eleventh episode of the third season of Running Bar, which will be broadcast on July 5, because this episode will record the program in Macau. Less than a month after returning from Macau, when I saw the Venetian Hotel behind the star on TV, I suddenly had the urge to visit Macau again.
If the Parisian Macao is full of modern art, then the Venetian can be described as extremely luxurious. The main color of the hotel lobby is old-fashioned beige, with macular stone gold-plated solid columns and imported Italian tiles. Finally, through the light on the wall, it seems to be in a European castle palace. The top incorporates 16th-century Renaissance-style murals, adding a touch of art to the luxurious style of the entire hotel lobby.
You can often see some themed activities at The Venetian Hotel in Macau. From June 8 to October 9 this year, Sands Cotai, Parisian, Venetian and Four Seasons Hotel under Sands Macau can also enjoy the golden years of contemporary ceramics. Art exhibition. This exhibition is curated by Ms. Zheng Yi, an internationally renowned ceramic artist, for Sands China. It is also one of the major events of Art Macao 2019.
The Golden Years Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition is one of the largest and highest-level international ceramic art exhibitions in the Greater Bay Area in 2019. It is said that world-class contemporary ceramic artists from 13 countries and regions are specially invited to participate in the exhibition, with more than 90 exhibits. Although I have personally visited many museums and seen many art exhibitions over the years, the Golden Years Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition still amazes me.
When I was looking at the collection in the Venetian, I didn’t know much about Zheng Yi, an artist. Only after I came back and looked through the materials did I get to know her background in depth. In the 1980s, he obtained a double bachelor's degree in painting and zoology from Michigan State University, and a master's degree in sculpture from San Francisco Art University. But in the end she chose pottery for other reasons.
There is a far-reaching story behind every piece of art. It is said that most of the works in this exhibition are tailor-made for this exhibition. She has integrated traditional Chinese ceramic technology with modern aesthetics to create a The new trend culture, and this exhibition is to let more people understand China's ceramic culture. On one side of the Venetian lobby, there is an art collection that looks like clothes. This is the latest series of many art varieties created by Zheng Yi: Fu. What is most worthy of pride is that some of her works of art have even been purchased by the British Museum.
The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena is one of the most well-equipped comprehensive indoor multi-purpose exhibition and performance venues in Asia. The entire venue can accommodate more than 15,000 people at the same time. You must know that Hong Kong’s Hung Hom Stadium can only accommodate more than 12,000 people. Many celebrities who come to Macau will choose to hold their personal concerts at the Cotai Arena. This is the third time I have come to the Venetian. I have seen Xidi Linweng, Backstreet Boys, Mayday, Alan Tam and other stars when I came here. Concert poster. Hey, sometimes I am very envious of my friends in Macau, it is great to see the concerts of many stars.
If you are a person who likes shopping, the Parisian and Venetian Macao are really shopping paradises. Many brands here are cheaper than those abroad, and you can buy your favorite brands without going abroad. And if you can often pay attention to the hotel's official website or Weibo, WeChat official account, you will encounter some preferential activities from time to time.
Entertainment is one of the business cards of Macau, how can you miss it when you come here? If you are interested, you may wish to go to the Venetian or the Parisian to experience it, because the casino has clear regulations and cannot take pictures, so there is no way to show it to everyone here. I believe you can imagine the luxury of the Parisian and the Venetian Get inside the scale now.
Like the Parisians, the Venetians also have many distinctive restaurants, such as the King Peacock Indian Restaurant, Pitot Italian Fishing Village, Bamboo Buffet Restaurant, North Pavilion, Cantonese and so on. Because we are northerners, we are less exposed to southern dishes, so I took my family to Emperor Dim Sum, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine. This restaurant is famous for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, so friends who like it must not miss it, and it is open 24 hours.
Although the northerners have a relatively heavy taste in food, the honey sauce char siu and curry beef brisket rice here are really my favorites. Barbecued pork is the most classic dish in Cantonese cuisine. It uses pork tenderloin, added with char siu sauce, oyster sauce, honey and other ingredients, the gravy tastes sweet, and now I drool thinking about it. People in Guangdong and Hong Kong also like beef brisket rice very much. However, as a northerner, I have a soft spot for Indian curry, so this curry beef brisket rice is also one of my first choices in Dim Sum Restaurant.
The steamed pork ribs with garlic and the imperial fresh shrimp dumpling are the signature dishes of the restaurant. The fresh shrimp dumpling here is better than the ones I have eaten before. The thin skin wraps the huge shrimp, and it tastes plump and elastic. I still remember that I went to the Lianxiang Restaurant in Hong Kong once before. At that time, I made a special trip to eat snacks such as steamed pork ribs with garlic, but I didn’t get it because I was slow to start. But this time, my little wish was fulfilled at the Venetian. Explain, this dish must be ordered, must be ordered, must be ordered, and the important thing is said three times. As for the taste, you will know when you eat it.
The blue sky and white clouds, the gondola boats float on the emerald green water, and the shops on both sides are all kinds of luxury brands. When you are tired and walk around here casually, you will feel that everything is so enjoyable and comfortable. In Macau, I think the Parisian and the Venetian are really good choices. You can have a one-stop experience of eating, living, traveling, playing and shopping here.
Taking a gondola ride on the Grand Canal at The Venetian Macao is a project that many people will experience when they come here. The adult boat ticket: 108MOP, and the child: 80MOP. There is an exclusive window here to buy, but you have to go to the ticket office to exchange for the boat ticket. The boat ticket is also very delicate, so you can keep it as a memory.
There are three different routes for taking gondolas in the Venetian Grand Canal: the Grand Canal, the San Luca Canal, and the Marco Polo Canal. These three routes are not connected, so tourists can take them anywhere. The boatman is one of the highlights of the experience, most of them are foreigners, and everyone has unique skills, singing, playing the piano, and interacting with tourists.
A gondola boat can take 4 tourists at the same time, and when it is full, it will start a short trip to the water city. I remember that when I took my parents to Lugu Lake in Yunnan in 2017, I took a small boat. At that time, my father was still a little seasick, so when I took the gondola this time, I specially asked my parents to sit in the direction of the gondolier, so that the center of gravity of the boat It will be more stable, not to mention that our boatman is still a little fat guy.
The huge man-made blue sky, the colorful houses, the arch bridges connecting the two sides, and the gondola boats are slowly driving on this small river. Walking with the old sister this time allowed our family to enjoy the long-lost family happiness. I like to use the camera to record the moments when the family is together, because it is the happiest moment in our life.
The round-trip time of the gondola ride is about 20 minutes. Here, we must praise the staff for their attentive and dedicated service. When the boat draws to the side, someone will make a special trip to help tourists disembark. However, the gondola ticket is only valid on the day, so friends who bought the ticket must not miss the time, so as not to expire and become invalid.
Cantonese cuisine for several days made my dad and I miss our northern dishes, so for the last meal in Macau, I took them to the Northern Pavilion of the Venetian. From the name of the restaurant, we can know that the cuisine here is mainly from the north, and the restaurant environment with Chinese elements also gives people a pleasant mood.
As northerners, noodles are our favorite, so we ordered a bowl of pulled noodles. When the service staff brought it up, we realized that this bowl of noodles is really too real. There are several large pieces of beef, and the pulled noodles are also generous. Just right, in fact, the most eye-catching thing is the soup, which is delicious and rich. After the meal, I learned that the chefs here are specially hired from various cities in the north.
Although it has only been a few days since I came out, for me, I really miss the roujiamo in my hometown, and this mutton jiamo seems to be specially prepared for us. The mutton is well processed, without any smell. The lotus leaf cake should come out of the oven, and the dough is slightly browned. Moreover, this dish is accompanied by a secret sauce, which tastes very delicious when eaten together. Oh, by the way, the North Pavilion restaurant also has organic seasonal, best choice for vegetarians.
If I didn't rely on the map inside the Venetian Hotel, I might get lost. It was already afternoon outside when we walked out of the hotel. At this time, the lagoon square reflected the opposite buildings, which were astonishing as pictures. From day to night, the Cotai Strip presents different charms. This is Macau, and this is Sands.
The three-day trip to Macau is coming to an end, and I spent an unforgettable time with my family. Some things in my heart still want to say to them: Sister, we played and quarreled together when we were children. Now we are adults and have different lives. No matter at any time, you are the closest person to me and also my friend. Forever sister, hope you are all well.
My mother is the person I love the most in my life. When I was young, I always felt that she was nagging. As I got older, I gradually understood how much she cares about me. Now her hair is also white, and her body is not as good as before, especially her eyesight is getting worse and worse, but every time she comes home, she always holds my hand and asks me if I have eaten, how is my health recently? , Don't stay up all night or something like that. When I was young, I always felt that time passed too slowly, and I always wanted to grow up early to see the world. Now I hope that time can be slower, and slower, because I will spend more time with her.
The relationship between any father and son is always more silent. My dad and I belong to the kind of stubborn people. We haven’t communicated much since we were young. When we have made many mistakes, he will use them to make me feel Don't like the way it's going to be handled. During my adolescence, I was more rebellious, absenteeism, fighting and other problems that I think are silly now have appeared in me. Thinking about it now, I was really a son who made him worry. Many times I would always ask my mother, does my father not love me, why is it so annoying every time he sees me, these years I have gradually understood that the love between men is actually very simple, in the heart.
As night falls and the lights come on, Macau at night seems so dazzling as if it has been put on a glittering coat. Looking at the Venetian from a distance, it looks like a resplendent and magnificent palace, and the music played on Lagoon Square makes the night in Macau full of unique sentiment. On such a romantic night, why not go to The Parisian Macao to take a ride on the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the beautiful and dreamy night view of Macao.
The city of Macau has given me too many surprises. Walking through the streets and alleys, I can feel the real breath of life. Everything that has been preserved in the long river of history seems to tell us the stories of the past. Because of the weather, I didn't finish other places in the itinerary, so I will save these regrets for the next time I come to Macau next time.
Day10: About food, accommodation and transportation
1. About the itinerary.
day1: Xi'an→Macao
day2: Ruins of St. Paul → Macao Museum → Love Lane → Rose Hall → Xiwangyang Mountain
Day3: Fisherman's Wharf→The Parisian Macao→The Venetian Macao
2. Regarding equipment.
Camera: Canon 70D.
Lens: 10-18 wide-angle lens, 50 fixed-focus lens, 18-135 as telephoto.
Others: tripod, battery, memory card, etc.
3. About food.
<1>. The Parisian Macao: Parisian Buffet Restaurant, Parisian Restaurant, French Restaurant, Lotus Palace, Fu Gui Fang, Jade Ramen Xiao Long Bao, etc. (highly recommended)
<2>. The Venetian Macao: Huangque Indian Restaurant, Bitao Italian Fishing Village, Emperor Dim Sum, Bamboo Buffet Restaurant, North Pavilion, Cantonese Restaurant, etc. (highly recommended)
4. About traffic.
1. Macau route: At present, many cities in China have opened direct flights to Macau. There are China Eastern Airlines and Loong Air who fly directly to Macau from Xi'an, and the prices are relatively cheap. If there is no direct flight to Macau from the departure city, you can also fly to Zhuhai and enter Macau from Gongbei Port in Zhuhai.
2. Transportation in Macau: The transportation in the urban area of Macau is relatively convenient, whether it is by bus or taxi, but the most convenient thing for me is the free bus provided by major hotels. The Gongbei Port in Zhuhai and the Macau International Airport have free buses from the Parisian and Venetian hotels, and you can take these buses from Taipa to the Macau Peninsula.
5. Regarding accommodation.
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Macau. The Sands Casino under Sands Resorts, The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, Sands City Center (St. Regis Hotel, Holiday Inn, Conrad Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel) but personally the most I like Parisians and Venetians, and the price/performance ratio is super high. In the off-season, the room rate of the hotel is only about 1,000 yuan. And living here can enjoy the tower outside the window at any time.
6. About wifi.
Because Macau is an administrative special zone, mainland mobile communications are currently unavailable in Macau, so you need to buy a new phone card when you come to Macau. Of course, friends who find it troublesome can also rent a roaming treasure. During the few days in Macau, the mobile phone signal of our whole family is realized by this portable wifi. The mobile phones of the three people can still guarantee the normal use of 4G, and the charge can last for a day. It is definitely a travel A must-have artifact.
7. About currency.
The legal tender of Macau is the pataca, mop. Because Hong Kong and Macau are adjacent, Hong Kong dollars can also be used in Macau, but the exchange rates between Macau dollars and Hong Kong dollars are still different. It is recommended to understand the exchange rate before traveling and prepare in advance. However, many shops and hotels in Macau currently support WeChat and Alipay payments.
8. Regarding matters.
<1>. Macau hotel cars are free to ride, but you still need to know which stop to get off before you travel.
<2>. If you are a member of Sands, you will accumulate points for shopping, accommodation and other consumption.
<3>. Both Parisian and Venetian hotels support room ordering, and some restaurants in the hotel also support advance reservations.
<4>. There are many churches in Macau, please do not make any noise when entering the church.
<5>. The urban security system in Macau is very good, and you should pay attention to personal safety when traveling.
