XX9W Team will be active from Macau 19 - 31 March 2026.
Team - EA1CJ, EA1SA, EA5BCQ*, EA5KA, EA5KM, EA7KE, EA7R, EA7X, F2JD, F8ATS, F8GGV, JH4RHF, IK5RUN, IN3ZNR.
They will operate on HF Bands, CW, SSB, Digital modes.
QSL via M0OXO, OQRS.
Macau: “Golden Lotus,” gambling business, and UNESCO heritage
Macau is located on the peninsula of the same name in the South China Sea and occupies two adjacent islands, Taipa and Coloane, connected by an isthmus. All three parts are connected by bridges. The Chinese call this area Aomen.
Originally an independent Chinese territory and a tempting prize for the Portuguese, who were successful in navigation and geographical discoveries in the 15th century, Macau nevertheless became a European colony with rich trading traditions. It remained under Portuguese rule for several centuries. The special administrative region only returned to Chinese custody in 1999. Today, it is a metropolis famous for its high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants, and casinos, and ranks among the world's most densely populated cities.
Is it Portugal or China?
Everything is mixed up here. European culture coexists with Asian culture: narrow, sometimes cobbled streets and architectural structures alongside mirrored skyscrapers and hieroglyphs, Catholic cathedrals alongside Chinese temples and pagodas steeped in incense. The amazing symbiosis of Western and Eastern traditions, customs, and cultures is mesmerizing. The local population honors this intertwining and treats its past with respect.
There are two official languages: Chinese and Portuguese. However, the latter is more of a tribute to the past. Less than one percent of the population speaks it. But street names and signs are still in two languages. Religions include Buddhism, Catholicism, and Taoism.
The climate is regulated by subtropical and tropical zones. Hot summers with squalls and cyclones from the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean alternate with cool winters. Typhoons and storms are frequent.
The territory does not allow for a metro system, but buses and taxis cope well with their task. Scooters are popular.
Trade has not taken a back seat and plays an important role in economic development. It is no coincidence that customs duties and sales taxes have been abolished in the seaport. The textile and electronics industries are in the lead. Mechanical engineering is well developed. Vegetable growing and fishing predominate in agriculture. However, all this is a small fraction that does not fully meet the needs of the population—in the food sector, the city is dependent on other countries, primarily China. Even fresh water is imported from there.
Tourists are interested in gold and porcelain, natural silk, and, of course, antiques and electronics.
Non-stop gaming
The gambling business has dominated this area for several centuries. Casinos, which appeared in the 19th century, are growing stronger and, given the abolition of the monopoly in this sector, have no intention of giving up their positions. They have turned a once quiet city into the capital of Asian entertainment and excitement. One in five local residents is employed in this sector. More than 30 casinos operate around the clock without breaks for lunch or weekends. The financial turnover exceeds that of Las Vegas many times over.
Dog racing, bungee jumping, and excellent wine
Nevertheless, the government is attempting to transform the city into an attractive tourist destination without focusing solely on gambling establishments. It should be noted that all the necessary conditions are in place for this, as there is no shortage of architectural structures. And colorful holidays and spectacular events, whether it's New Year's Eve or Carnival, dog racing or horse racing, fascinate tourists from all over the world. In recent years, Formula 3 races and the Macau Grand Prix have been held here.
The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Senado Square is the main attraction. It is home to the Senate and the Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple.
The six-meter-high Golden Lotus statue, the symbol of Macau, marks the return of sovereignty to the territory. The flower is also featured on the district's flag.
The 17th-century St. Paul's Cathedral, or rather its ruins, is the hallmark of this Asian city. It was once the largest Christian church in Asia. After a major fire, only the stone facade remained intact.
The 338-meter-high TV tower rises above the surrounding area as an entertainment and exhibition center. Inside, there are restaurants, shops, a cinema, and an observation deck. From a height listed in the Guinness Book of Records, you can jump on a bungee cord—all for a thousand dollars.
The fort, built in the 17th century, served a defensive function, protecting against pirate raids. Later, it became the governor's residence, an observatory, and finally a museum. Today, it is an important part of any excursion.
A-Ma Temple, one of the oldest pre-Portuguese buildings, was erected in honor of the goddess Ma, the patroness of sailors. It combines Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and local beliefs.
The tea house is located in the picturesque Low Lim Leok Garden. Surrounded by bamboo groves, ponds, and artificial hills, far from the hustle and bustle, it is pleasant to enjoy a fragrant drink, of which there are several hundred types and varieties here.
The local cuisine also combines Italian, Portuguese, Thai, Indian, and Chinese features. The national dish, bacalhau, consists of dried cod that is fried, stewed, or baked. It is worth trying Portuguese wine with it, which will be an excellent addition to any dish.