It may sound cliché, but Macao is a melting pot (literally). Before my first visit, I knew it had been a colony, but once I got here, I was shocked to learn that it was only returned to China in 1999—after 400 years of Portuguese rule. This mix of cultures is most apparent in Macao’s food. Beyond Portuguese and Chinese dishes, you’ll also find many flavors from nearby Hong Kong and other Asian countries. For centuries, Macao was a main port in the spice trade, so there are African and European influences as well.

The Wynn, MGM, The Venetian...it can often look like you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas instead of Asia when you’re going to Macao. But as a journalist covering the growth of this Portuguese-influenced Chinese region over the last 15 years, I can assure you that there’s plenty to discover here beyond the casino floor.

Skip the slots and hit Macao’s trails, beaches, and more for the real win.