4 Books to Read Before Visiting Macau
If ever a destination warranted reading a book before you visit, it’s Macau. You’ll get far more out of your trip if you understand some of Macau’s fascinating history and its unique blend of East and West influences. Here are some of the books that will not only serve as a valuable pocket guide as you explore the city, but help you to fully understand and appreciate Macau in all its multifaceted glory.
Macau History and Society (2011) by Zhidong Hao
If the thought of a history book fills you with dread or sends you to sleep, fear not, Macau’s history is anything but dull. History is at the very heart of what makes Macau a unique and fascinating place. This book is well worth a read. It offers an insightful look at Macau’s rich past and the assimilation of Portuguese and Chinese cultural influences that have shaped the city and its society. Having read this book you will better understand the significance and uniqueness of Macau and why it’s so much more than a mere casino city.
http://instagram.com/p/BL8sCPxATM_/?tagged=macauhistory&hl=en
Explore Macau: A Walking Guide and History (2011) by Todd Crowell
Taste of Macau (2003) by Annabel Jackson
Yes, this is essentially a cookbook with over 60 recipes, but it’s more than that. Few people know that the native Macau cuisine known as “Macanese” is the world’s original fusion cuisine. Some 450 years ago the Portuguese settled in Macau bringing with them their own ingredients and spices, which they mixed with Chinese ingredients and cooking methods to create the oldest fusion cuisine “Macanese”. This beautifully illustrated book charts the history of the cuisine and contains some of its best-loved heritage recipes. Macanese cuisine is harder to come across these days, but try some of its signature dishes like minchi, African chicken, tacho, cappela and bacalhau, and you’ll fall in love with this most delicious food. This book will help know which dishes to look out for on your trip, where to try them and even contains recipes so you can cook them yourself.
http://instagram.com/p/BMg2dNJBDbo/?tagged=macanesecuisine&hl=en
The New Macau (2005) by Jennifer Welker
Macau has transformed itself in the past 20 years, largely due to the incredible rise of its casino industry. In this well-written book, longtime Macau resident Jennifer Welker presents a comprehensive guide to the changes and evolution of the city as she interviews everyone from locals to casino magnates who have been instrumental in the city’s transformation. This book is a must-read if you’re looking to truly understand the multifaceted nature of modern day Macau.
http://instagram.com/p/BK6hUBAhxza/?tagged=macauskyline&hl=en
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
