Macau - Hong Kong

My Mom, P.Ou and I went to Macau and Hong Kong during February 8-11, 2008. We landed in Macau and then took ferry to Hong Kong. We stayed at Tsim Sha Tsui area since it is close to MRT, ferry terminal, shopping arcade and harbor. It was such a tired trip since it was cold, lots of people everywhere because of Chinese New Year, and we had to walk, take MTRs and buses, and also take ferry back to Macau; however, I am glad that my Mom enjoyed the trip.

See photos of this trip at http://picasaweb.google.com/arthivon/MacauHK

The Historic center of Macau

The historic center of Macau is inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2006. With our short period of time in Macau, we visited the symbolic of Macau, Ruins of St. Paul’s, Na Tcha temple, St. Dominic’s Church, and Senado Square, of which they are close to each other.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s refer to the façade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640, destroyed by fire in 1835, and the ruins of St.Paul’s college, which stood adjacent to the church.

Na Tcha Temple and section of the old city wall stand close to the remains of the church.

St. Dominic’s Church was the first church founded in China in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico, now it has been modified into a small Museum of Sacred Art.

Senado Square has been Macau's urban center for centuries and is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. It is also shopping area for Macau people and tourists especially brand-name fashion clothings and accessories.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

This is one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong. According to legend, Wong Tai Sin is able to make every wish come true upon request. The Main Altar containing Wong Tai Sin’s portrait is where worshippers pray for good fortune through offerings and divine guidance and through fortune telling. The temple is home of three different religions: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Wong Tai Sin Temple is located at Kowloon. To get there, take MTR, Wong Tai Sin Station Exit B2 or B3.

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree and Tin Hau Temple

The banyan trees are a favorite with local villagers who come to burn joss sticks and incense papers hoping their wishes will come true. During Chinese New Year, many Hong Kong people come to make their wishes by tying wish-making papers onto the wooden racks beside the trees.

















The nearby Tin Hua Temple was built around the time of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing dynasty (1736-1796). The temple’s main hall is dedicated to Tin Hua, the Goddess of the Sea. Many worshipers pray for good fortune by offering incense to the gods, so do our family.
This place is located at New Territories. To get there, take Bus 64K from MTR Tai Po Market Station and get off at Fong Ma Po Stop.

Giant Buddha/ Po Lin Monastery

The majestic figure of the seated bronze Buddha is 34 meters high which sits atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the mountain scenery of Lantau Island. Visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha is seated; however, we decided to take photos at the first step of the platform. The remote Po Lin Monastery has various figures of gods and aspects of Buddhist religion. There is vegetarian lunch prepared by monks sold at the Monastery. To get there, take Tung Chung MTR Exit B and then take bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Center.

There is cable car from Tung Chung Town Center but I was not sure it could directly reach there. Tung Chung Town Center is brand-name outlet mall which shoppers will enjoy.