Taipa Island

Taipa, which lies offshore to the south of Macau and is linked with it by an imposing high-arched bridge), was formerly a Chinese customs post for all vessels putting in at Macau, and is still the traditional site of fireworks factories. For some years now, however, it has been developing into a modern industrial region. Macau's first large airport, built on a large expanse of land reclaimed from the sea at the east end of the island, came into operation in 1995. There are also plans to reclaim the whole area of sea between the islands of Taipa and Coloane. On the north side of the island is Macau's renowned University, which has faculties of arts, social sciences and economics. In the town of Taipa are large numbers of Chinese shops and Portuguese colonial buildings as well as modern blocks of flats. The year 1980 saw the opening of a new trotting track (capacity 15,000 spectators), which attracts many racing and betting enthusiasts every Sunday. At the end of the Macao Horse Trotting Club and Track is a Buddha "Shrine of the Four Faces", only the third of its kind (the two others are in Bangkok and Las Vegas).

Taipa Island Resort, a holiday and sports center opened in 1986, occupies an area of 13,000sq.m/15,500sq.yds adjoining the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The parkland site contains tennis and squash courts, Macau's largest public swimming pool, play areas, bathing and fitness facilities (saunas, solariums, jacuzzis, etc.), and a Portuguese-style restaurant.

There is a magnificent panoramic view from the old church of the Senhora do Carmo.