Macau (Macau) is a world unto itself. In this unique city located between East and West, millennia of Chinese tradition meet old-world Portuguese charm. UNESCO World Heritage sites sit beside world-class hotels and resorts, and the region's rich culture is celebrated with the same enthusiastic spirit as its many tourist and entertainment facilities. Every year, visitors from around the world pour into the city to experience all it has to offer, from luxury shopping and exquisite fine dining to prestigious events.

Geography and Population | 地理与人口
Macau – composed of Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane – is located in southern China, in Guangdong Province on the west side of the Pearl River Delta. Immediately to the north lies the city of Zhuhai, called by some the 'Chinese Riviera', while about 37 miles (60 km) east is Hong Kong, which like Macau has incorporated its Chinese and European legacies into a distinctive character all its own.
Macau is quite small covering an area of just 27.5 square kilometers. The total population is 469,800 of which 95% are Chinese, the remainder being Portuguese and other westerners.

Weather | 天气
As a subtropical city, Macau has a moderate climate, with temperatures ranging on average between 20 ºC (68 ºF) and 26 ºC (79 ºF) and an average annual rainfall of about 2,058 mm. The city welcomes visitors year-round, with prime visiting season is in the fall, from October to December, when the days are warm and the humidity is low.

Transportation | 交通
Travel to Macau is easily arranged, with options to suit most itineraries. Those who prefer to travel by air can take a direct or connecting flight to Macau International Airport, while those looking to indulge may want to check out the helicopter service that runs from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Ferries are also an affordable option, run regularly between Macau, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and offer stunning views of the coast and the city skylines. Visitors traveling from or via the Mainland can cross into Macau by land at the Lotus Bridge in Cotai or at the Border Gate on Macau Peninsula.

Language | 语言
Though Cantonese is the most widely spoken language in town, English is also common, especially in tourism and commerce. The official languages of Macau, used in government departments, official communications and documentation, are Chinese and Portuguese.

Currency | 货币
Macau's official currency is the pataca (MOP), which is divided into 100 avos (cents) and linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) by government decree at an exchange rate of MOP103.20 to HKD100.00, with an acceptable variation of up to 10%. Coins are issued in 10, 20 and 50 avos and 1, 2, 5 pataca denominations, and bills in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Pataca denominations.
Visitors who need to exchange foreign currencies or traveler's checks can do so at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange dealers, which can be found throughout the city. At this time, one US dollar (USD) is worth roughly MOP8.

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