Macau

Macau , or Macao (馬交, Pinyin ma3 jiao1; known locally as 澳門, Pinyin ao4 men2) is a small city on the southern coast of China. It is 70 km southwest of Hong Kong and 145 km from Canton. It was the oldest European colony in China, dating back to the 16th century. The Portugese government returned sovereignty over Macau to China in 1999. It is now run as a special administrative region of China.

Besides historical colonial relics, the biggest attractions in Macau are their casinos. Though many forms of gambling are legal there, the most popular game is Pai Gow, a game played with Chinese dominoes. Gamblers from Hong Kong often take a one-day excusion to the city. Ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau is available 24 hours each day.

From the CIA World Factbook 2000. Not Wikified.

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