Traveling is arguably one of the best hobbies a person can have. There are few things that can be as fulfilling and thrilling to do in your free time like visiting a foreign country, experiencing first-hand the atmosphere, and making friends along the way. Of course, some destinations are more popular than others, but just because some people prefer to go to a particular set of locations, does not mean that the rest of the world has nothing to offer. Take Macau, for example. This Chinese province, with the densest human population on the planet, is becoming more and more popular for tourists, for several reasons. One of them is gambling, as Macau has a gambling industry nine times the size of the industry of Las Vegas; however, sightseeing is also a great reason to visit this peninsula, and Macau has lots of beautiful temples that attract both casual tourists and religious people, who seek inspiration and peace. No matter the reason for your visit, this peninsula will charm you with its combination of Chinese and Portuguese culture.
1. The A-Ma Temple
This is by far the most popular temple in all of Macau; in fact, it is believed that Macau’s name is derived from the name of the temple. It is dedicated to the goddess of sea travelers and fishermen. If you visit this temple, you are bound to be enchanted by the mélange of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions blended to make this temple the beautiful landmark that it is.
2. Lin Kai Temple
This temple dates back to the seventeenth century. It is dedicated to numerous gods, including those defending people from fire, as well as the gods and goddesses of birth and fertility. There are various colorful statues along the walls that add to the temple’s bright interior. This temple also funds a hospital and a home for poor and homeless people.
3. Kun Iam Tong Temple
This is a temple that travelers may not be able to locate very easily, as it is on the outskirts of Macau; nevertheless, it is the oldest and one of the largest Buddhist temples that Macau has to offer. It dates back to the thirteenth century, and it consists of three large main halls and numerous smaller ones. The temple is decorated with eighteen statues of Buddha
4. Zhulin Temple
This temple is the youngest one on the list –it was built in 1991. However, what separates it from all the others is the skill with which it was integrated into the busy city life of Macau. Hidden behind tall, green walls, it is the perfect place to take a break from your busy lifestyle, enjoy the calm environment in the temple, and relax.
5. Lin Fong Temple
This temple was built in the sixteenth century, and it is a quaint little place, which offers intricate clay carvings of historical events in Macau, as well as a very peaceful courtyard in which visitors can rest, contemplate, or just observe the koi pond with lotus flowers. Many of these Eastern temples on this list co-exist very peacefully with Christian temples built by Portuguese people who inhabited Macau at one point, adding to the multicultural experience that this lovely peninsula has to offer to its visitors.
