Things to see and do in Macau

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.

See the oldest lighthouse on the China coast: the 17th-century Guia Fortress (www.macauheritage.net/info/indexe.asp). Built in 1637, the Guia Lighthouse is still functional. As well as guiding ships through Macanese waters, its high vantage point is also used to warn the city of impending typhoons. Note the faded frescoes inside the chapel building, which were uncovered during renovations. Nearby is a fascinating series of wartime bunkers cut into the hill and a small museum telling the stories of those who served here. A walking path encircles the hill offering views over the city and its bays, and there is also a cable car running down the hillside.

Explore the complex of temples known as Kun Iam Tong, the biggest and wealthiest of Macau's temples. It dates from the time of the Ming Dynasty, about 400 years ago, and contains, amongst other works of art, a small statue of Marco Polo.

Enjoy panoramic views - or bungee jump - from the Macau Tower, an entertainment and convention centre situated on the waterfront on the Nam Van Lakes. The 338m (1,109ft) tower is the 10th tallest freestanding tower in the world.

São Domingo's Church, built in the 17th century and renovated in 2002, is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Macau. A Museum of Sacred Art, on three floors of the renovated belfry, is home to 300 works of sacred art illustrating the history of the Catholic church in Asia.