Old Districts of Macao: Classic Charm with New Highlights

Sheltered by a sea of lush greenery, Wang Hsa Hotel resembles a secret garden tucked away atop a small hill in the northern part of the Macao Peninsula. Though referred to as a “hill,” its location is surprisingly accessible—just a 15-minute drive from downtown at most.

 

The original structure was a Portuguese military barracks built in the 1970s. After several transformations, the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies was established here. The guest rooms were too small to serve as classrooms, but they’re perfect for hands-on learning. As a result, students take on roles from front desk reception to housekeeping. The staff, dressed in school uniforms, exude a youthful charm and genuine enthusiasm, making “people” one of the hotel’s standout features. It has been recommended by the Michelin Guide in Macao for three consecutive years and topped TripAdvisor’s Macao hotel rankings in 2011. Wang Hsa Hotel is especially popular with travelers from Hong Kong and Japan, attracting many Western backpackers, though it remains relatively unknown among Taiwanese visitors.

In fact, a simple stroll around Wang Hsa Hotel quickly reveals why it captivates travelers and inspires repeat visits. The hallway leading to the guest rooms preserves blue-and-white Portuguese tiles depicting nautical patterns, while sunlight from the courtyard bathes a nearby fountain in a serene, almost sacred glow. Equally captivating is the rooftop herb garden at the back of the hotel, where vines sprawl luxuriantly over trellises, and basil, mint, and oregano release their fragrances. The garden even grows mangoes, eggplants, corn, and other produce, bursting with vitality. Pairing this delightful exploration with Western pastries and Portuguese dishes from the institute’s restaurant makes it easy to forget the hustle and bustle outside, instead choosing to hide away in this low-rise sanctuary.

 

[Info]

Address: Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, Mong Ha Hill, Macao, China

Phone: +853-2851-5222

The San Dak Deng area boasts numerous beloved eateries, and Lung Wah Tea House, located next to the Red Market traditional market, stands out as a local institution and crowd favorite. The tea house’s second-floor storefront, painted in soft yellow, features window sills adorned with quaint potted plants—each with its own character. Even passersby glancing across the street might pause for a moment. What Lung Wah Tea House offers is a nostalgic atmosphere that slows down time.

The old-style tiled staircase leading to the second floor feels like a time machine, whisking you back to earlier days. The tea house’s interior is lined with wooden-framed windows, and its pale blue walls seem subtly faded by years of afternoon sun, lending a cinematic quality. The bespectacled, scholarly owner greets you: “A pot of tea? Jasmine? Tieguanyin? Or chrysanthemum pu’er? Taiwanese visitors love chrysanthemum pu’er.” We happily order a pot of chrysanthemum and pu’er tea, and the owner heads off satisfied to prepare his signature scallion oil chicken. Before long, while still admiring the ink paintings and antique decor, two plates of food arrive like small hills—just as the menu promises: “Premium ingredients, generous portions.” Eager to try everything, we grab a skewer of stuffed eggplant with mackerel from the dim sum cart—it’s deliciously authentic. Seated in a wooden-paneled booth under the gentle whir of a ceiling fan, I lose track of time, sipping freshly brewed tea and savoring each bite as the second floor remains suspended in its own unhurried rhythm.

 

[Info]

Address: 3 Praia Grande de Santa Luzia, Macao, China

Phone: +853-2857-4456