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 Most
of the areas covered by this route originally lay within the confines of
two of the largest villages in Macau’s early days: Mong Ha Village (Povoação
de Mong Ha) and Long Tin Village (Povoação de Long Tin). Nowadays, the
villages are nowhere to be seen; instead there are only high-rise
buildings, showing how much Macau has changed in the past hundred years or
so.
Lin Fong Temple, Kun Iam Ku Temple, Seng
Vong Miu Temple, and Kun Iam Temple all lie along the route, and are
places of major historical significance. They have borne witness to
extremely important historical events in Macau, and are also “living
fossils” reflecting the history of modern China.
Lin Fong Temple was the “council” for
Chinese merchants, as well as a residence for Chinese officials and
envoys. During his tour of inspection and crackdown on opium-smuggling in
Macau, Lin Zexu stayed in Lin Fong Temple, and received the Portuguese
there, thus making this old temple famous across the world for its role in
modern Chinese history.
Next to Lin Fong Temple stands Kun Iam Ku
Temple and Seng Vong Temple. This used to be the site of the Mong Ha
Villagers’ Self-Defence Corps, which came into existence due to
circumstances at the time.
Inside the high walls of Kun Iam Temple,
there are traces of renowned monks, well-known personages and masters of
Chinese painting, and many an anecdote and legend.
Jardim da Vitória and Jardim de Vasco da
Gama on Avenida Sidónio Pais are sites that might generate some pride
amongst the Portuguese: the former commemorates their victory over the
Dutch, while the latter celebrates the achievements of the Age of
Discovery.
Further up, on Calçada do Gaio, there is
the Casa Branca, or “White House” – a magnificent mansion housing
the Monetary and Foreign Exchange Authority of Macau, Ling Nam School, and
the UNU/IIST - United Nations University International Institute of
Software Technology. Together, these form a spectacular display showcasing
the elegance and beauty of 20th century European architecture in Macau,
and the style and tastes of wealthy Portuguese merchants in those days.
A winding path leads up to the top of the
highest hill in Macau – Guia Hill. Here there is the first lighthouse
ever erected on the coastline of the Far East – Guia Lighthouse and
Fortress which still lights up the night sky of Macau today.
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Start the Cultural
Heritage Tour here... 
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