Describe Macau as a sleepy, backwater town and everyone will jump at you. That's how it goes nowadays, because the territory is dazzlingly clean and newly outfitted with museums, a multi-cultural center, nightlife strip, resort hotels, bridges and international airport. Having served as a Portuguese enclave for more than 400 years, the colonial government spent some M$70 million on the restoration of many of Macau's historical sites and public places before returning the territory to The People's Republic of China in 1999. In recent years, more highlights have been added to the city, and developments on Macau's two southern islands are something short of phenomenal. Almost merged into one by the expansion of the causeway, they are green oasis of parklands, beaches and walking trails, with dozens of sporting activities on offer. Though gamming still takes pride of place amongst Macau's list of attractions, the city's rich historical heritage, coupled with its new developments and Macau's unique Asian Mediterranean charm, makes it highly recommendable for sight seeing visitors. A samba at heart, this is a city of leafy avenues, gardens, hunting ruins and wedding-cake buildings, as well as glittering casinos, nightclubs, museums and grand prix racing. A blend of Portuguese grandiose and Chinese traditionalism, you will experience Chinese festivals and Christian processions, paraded from temples and churches. And you can sample Macau's unique cuisine, Macanese soul food. Spiced with a touch of everything, it is redolent of eclectic Macau.