Taipa Island

Taipa, which lies offshore to the south of Macau and is linked with it by an imposing high-arched bridge, was formerly a Chinese customs post for all vessels putting in at Macau, and is still the traditional site of fireworks factories.

Back in the 18th century, the beautiful area of Taipa was comprised of two hilly islands and a busy international harbor, used by clipper ships and Indian merchants who traded with the Cantonese to the north via the Pearl River. Ships carrying muslin, opium, tea, porcelain and silks were regular visitors to the Macau Islands, resulting in a robust exchange of culture. 

For some years now, however, it has been developing into a modern industrial region. Macau's first large airport, built on a large expanse of land reclaimed from the sea at the east end of the island, came into operation in 1995. There are also plans to reclaim the whole area of sea between the islands of Taipa and Coloane. On the north side of the island is Macau's renowned University, which has faculties of arts, social sciences and economics. In the town of Taipa are large numbers of Chinese shops and Portuguese colonial buildings as well as modern blocks of flats.

The year 1980 saw the opening of a new trotting track (capacity 15,000 spectators), which attracts many racing and betting enthusiasts every Sunday. At the end of the Macao Horse Trotting Club and Track is a Buddha "Shrine of the Four Faces", only the third of its kind (the two others are in Bangkok and Las Vegas).

You can simply stroll along the cobbled streets of this busy and colorful part of Macau China, appreciating the fusion of architecture, hanging flower baskets, old-fashioned street lamps, and spicy aromas. Taipa Village is full of stucco Chinese shop-houses, with balconies for families living above their businesses. There are many temples to visit there, as well as stately churches built by the Portuguese in Macau, many of whom were missionaries. Our Lady of Carmel, a neo-classical church built in 1885, has lovely paths that wind down the hills to Avenida da Praia, where you can enjoy refreshments and cool breezes at a café.