Recap | The history, myths and extraordinary truths of Macau in 5 fascinating tales
PostMag contributor Jason Wordie uncovers Macau’s captivating history, from multiple spellings and wartime artists to opulent zoos and nostalgic myths versus gritty realities
Explore Macau’s past with PostMag contributor Jason Wordie who looks at its captivating history, the myths and contrasting realities of this former Portuguese colony that neighbours Hong Kong.
What’s with the dual spellings of Macao/Macau? Why did it appear in travel guides to Hong Kong? And does the romanticised tropical paradise of ‘Old Macau’ actually stand up to scrutiny?
1. Macao vs Macau: what’s in a name? Historical insights on the Portuguese colony’s evolution in China
Learn the intriguing history behind the correct spelling of Macao/Macau and discover why both spellings coexist officially. The name’s evolution took it from A-ma-ngao and Amacao to Amaconto and then on to its current official spellings where “Macao” prevails in international treaties, despite “Macau’s” Portuguese heritage.
2. Why did colourful Macau warrant its own chapter in old Hong Kong travel guides?
Old travel guides capture the captivating contrasts between the neighbouring colonies of Macau and Hong Kong. Macau’s unique social issues and architectural charm were reminiscent of old Hong Kong but it had some stark, and rather disturbing, differences.
3. Nostalgia for myth of a romantic ‘Old Macau’ clashes with harsher, and dirtier, reality
Macau is often romanticised as a tranquil, tropical haven, but this nostalgic vision overlooks a complex history of poverty, seedy undercurrents, and migration. Find out the truth behind the myths and how sentimental observers may be pining for a place that never truly existed.
4. How Russian artist George Vitalievich Smirnoff and his daughter bonded over their love for Macau during WWII
Read the heartwarming story of Russian artist Smirnoff and his daughter, Irene, and their experiences as refugees during the second world war. George’s famous watercolours of Macau created lasting memories when he found refuge and artistic inspiration in the colony’s beauty after fleeing war-torn Hong Kong.
5. How Thomas Beale spent a fortune creating Asia’s premier private zoo and aviary in 19th century Macau
British merchant Beale’s botanical and zoological garden featured over 2,500 plants and 600 birds, including some birds of paradise many naturalists had thought mythical. His vast collection became a hub for zoologists and scholars keen on learning about Asia’s natural history.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI