Macau | The Region Known as Macau
August 8, 2009 by Asia Travel Wanderer
Macau is an SAR (Special Administrative Region) of the People’s Republic of China, but it wasn’t always so. Macau like so many other Asian countries and regions fell under the rule of European invasion and Colonization. In Macau’s case it was the Portuguese that set down roots and remained in the region for a period 442 years. It was only in 1999 that the control of Macau was ceded to the People’s Republic of China and made the region go down in history as the “Last European Territory” in all of Asia.
Prehistoric Macau
Before the Portuguese and the Chinese came to Macau, it was populated people that had a unique culture of their own. Archeological evidence suggests that human life started to settle in Macau as far as 4,000 to 6,000 years back. The Macau Peninsula served as a shelter for sailors and refugees that were seeking a place to rest and restock before embarking on their journey once again.
Macau under Imperial China
Macau, like so many other regions close to Imperial China fell under the country’s rule and prospered as a shipping port. It wasn’t until the 16th century, during the Age of Discover that the Portuguese found their way into the peninsula and there set up influence that would last for over four long centuries. The Imperial Chinese rule coupled with the Portuguese colonization made Macau’s culture a diverse one.
Macau and Portugal
When the Portuguese have settled, Macau then became a quintessential trading post for both the Europeans and the Chinese. The region then played an integral role in the Portuguese trade routes. This brought along exports of silk, spices, tea, precious metals and a whole lot more. Macau as a trading post was further strengthened by a Monopoly on Chinese trade as well as with the Union of the Portuguese and Spanish Crowns.
The colonizers brought with them more than just their wares; they also brought their religion to the region. It became the gateway by which religious missionaries gained access to Japan, China and other surrounding countries.
The Effect of Hong Kong on Macau
Macau was greatly affected by regions that were in such close proximity and one of them is Hong Kong. When the China surrendered Hong Kong to the British in during the 19th century, Macau waned in popularity compared to the growing fame and wealth of Hong Kong. In an attempt to reverse the effect of Hong Kong, Macau was declared as a “Free Port” and was declared a Portuguese colony totally independent of China.
Macau Under Modern Day China
As China grew she struck a diplomatic deal with Portugal and Macau was recognized as a territory of China. Despite its status and an SAR of China, Macau still continues to enjoy a high status of autonomy apart from the Asian giant.
Today Macau’s economy is booming. Its’ association with China has given the region an economic boost and the region will undoubtedly continue to prosper. Tourists from all over the world flock to Macau in order to get a taste of its culture as well as to wallow in the many scenic spots in the region as well as to lie on the beaches along the peninsula’s shoreline.
