Gambling
For most visitors, gambling is Macau's great attraction. Around 28 casinos now operate under government franchise. Both familiar Western games and popular Eastern games are on offer, plus slot machines - known as ‘hungry tigers' by locals. The largest casinos also have live music, lounge bars and several restaurants.

Racing
The Canidrome is Asia's only greyhound racing stadium (www.casinocity.com/mo/macau/canidro). The Macau Jockey Club organises flat horse races on the island of Taipa (www.macauhorse.com). The Far East's gala motorcycle and Formula III car racing event, the Macau Grand Prix, is held in November (www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo).

Taipa
The island of Taipa is a busy, colourful place with interesting shops and colonial Portuguese offices in narrow streets and alleys, where many traditional crafts are still followed. Pou Tai Un Temple is one of the best endowed and most picturesque temples in Macau.

Festivals
Macau's colourful festivals include the Dragon Boat Festival in June; the International Fireworks Display Contest, which sees 90 countries competing for honours in September/October; and the Macau International Music Festival, which presents works in Chinese and Western styles throughout October.

Colôane Island
The larger of Macau's two islands, Colôane Island is perfect for a day trip. Nature trails thread among the hills in Seac Pai Van Park, which also has a walk-in aviary (http://nature.iacm.gov.mo, in Chinese only). The best of the beaches is the black-sand Hác Sá. Enjoy spectacular views from the A-Ma Statue, which stands on the highest point on the island.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.