Handover Gifts Museum of Macao Macau
Discover Macau's unique East-meets-West heritage, from colonial architecture to symbolic handover gifts. Explore UNESCO sites and enjoy free cultural ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Handover Gifts Museum of Macao Macau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Macau's unique East-meets-West heritage, from colonial architecture to symbolic handover gifts. Explore UNESCO sites and enjoy free cultural gems.
"A fascinating blend of cultures, Macau offers free museums and historic charm alongside its famous casinos."
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds and higher hotel rates by planning your Macau trip mid-week.
🚌 Budget Bus Travel
Consider buses from Hong Kong for a cheaper and less crowded journey than ferries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gifts of Handover
Handover Gifts Museum of Macao
Discover intricate artworks gifted from China's provinces, symbolizing Macau's handover. A unique cultural insight.
Historic Peninsula Charm
Macau Peninsula
Wander through UNESCO-listed historic sites and century-old eateries. A must for history buffs and foodies.
Taipa Village Delights
Taipa Village
Explore charming streets, unique shops, and delicious local treats. A picturesque escape from the casinos.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Weekday Wonders
Free & Frugal Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds and higher hotel rates by planning your Macau trip mid-week.
🚌 Budget Bus Travel
Consider buses from Hong Kong for a cheaper and less crowded journey than ferries.
💰 Klook for Savings
Use promo codes on Klook for discounts on transport and attractions.
🚶♀️ Free Walking Tours
Explore Macau's historic center on foot; many areas are walkable and free to access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds and higher hotel rates by planning your Macau trip mid-week.
🚌 Budget Bus Travel
Consider buses from Hong Kong for a cheaper and less crowded journey than ferries.
💰 Klook for Savings
Use promo codes on Klook for discounts on transport and attractions.
🚶♀️ Free Walking Tours
Explore Macau's historic center on foot; many areas are walkable and free to access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Macau for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture, with many historical sites being a major draw. The city is also appreciated for its accessibility and the availability of free attractions, making it a budget-friendly destination. However, some find the sheer number of casinos overwhelming, and the city can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends.
"What a unique collection from the various regions of China. This is excellent of gifts given to Macao on the 20 of December 1999 in recognition of the territory returning to China. This is study obsevation(go on a field trip to here) at primary school in Macao."
Shinichiro Yamaji
"The Handover Gifts Museum (free entry) is a surprisingly very good collection of 56 gifts given to Macau on the 20 of December 1999 in recognition of the territory returning to Chinese possession under the form of a Special Administrative Region.
This attraction is regularly visited by the mainland Chinese tours of Macau but is generally unknown to Western and non-Chinese visitors. This is unfortunate as the museum offers a genuinely unique collection of Chinese works.
While there is a temporary gallery, it is the main Handover Gifts Gallery that most come to see. Here you will find 56 auspicious gifts from the various regions, city and ethnic groups of China. They are large and very well designed, reflecting the various cultures, regional styles and artistic skill found throughout China. Many of the pieces are quite impressive, well worth spending time to inspect and admire. During our recent visit, we spent just over an hour in the main gallery.
Unfortunately there is no audio guide to accompany you while visiting the gallery, which could greatly improve the overall visitation experience. However, each piece is accompanied by a decent information panel, describing where the piece comes from, how it was made and what it represents so you won't feel lost while viewing the various gifts.
In the end, this is a remarkable collection and rare opportunity to see a comprehensive body of outstanding Chinese works under one roof. You do have to compete with busloads of mainland Chinese tourists that come to visit but they usually stay for no more than 10-15 minutes before returning to their buses to depart. As such, you have moments of total seclusion as well when visiting the Handover Gifts museum. We love it when that happens, making one of our very favorite museum stops in Macau.
The Handover Gift Museum is located next to the Macau Art Museum (MAM), just a few minutes walk from the Sands Hotel on the Macau peninsula."
Brad
"it was awesome to see gifts from all over China in recognition of territory returning to China in 1999. This museum was better than Macau art museum for me."
Brian Chun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau, which is quick but can be pricier. Alternatively, buses offer a more budget-friendly option and can be less crowded. Many travelers opt for the bus for cost savings.
Yes, major hotels and casinos often provide free shuttle services that can be used by the public to get around different parts of the city.
Macau is relatively small and walkable, especially the historic areas. Public buses and hotel shuttles are also readily available for longer distances.
While ferries are common, buses are often recommended for being cheaper and less prone to long queues. Consider your budget and time when choosing.
Ride-sharing apps are available in Macau, offering a convenient way to get around if you prefer not to use public transport or taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao generally offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural experience.
For most historical sites and museums like the Handover Gifts Museum, advance booking isn't usually necessary. However, for special exhibitions or popular shows, it's wise to check.
Opening hours can vary, but typically museums in Macau operate from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current times.
Taipa Village itself is a public area, so there are no entrance fees to wander its charming streets. Individual shops or attractions within the village may have their own charges.
Costs can vary greatly depending on your travel style. Many attractions are free, but transport, food, and any casino visits will add up. Budgeting around HKD 500-1000 per day is a common suggestion for a comfortable experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square, and the colorful streets of Taipa Village. The Handover Gifts Museum also offers unique interior shots.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the Handover Gifts Museum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage regarding restrictions on flash or tripod use.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Mid-morning can also be good before crowds peak.
While most public areas are fine for photos, be mindful of private property, casinos (especially inside gaming areas), and any areas with explicit 'no photography' signs.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and street scenes. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of buildings. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ Culture & History Enthusiasts
Wander through Taipa Village to experience its preserved colonial architecture and traditional charm. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Macau's Transportation
For those arriving from Hong Kong, consider the bus crossing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge as a cost-effective alternative to the ferry.
When exploring the historic center, walking is often the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Cultural Immersion at the Handover Gifts Museum
These pieces often reflect the artistic traditions and craftsmanship of their regions, providing visitors with an appreciation for the breadth of Chinese culture. Unlike many museums that focus on historical artifacts, this institution highlights contemporary artistic expressions and the diplomatic gestures they represent. It’s a place where art serves as a bridge between different regions and a testament to the evolving relationship between Macau and mainland China.
The museum's architecture and display methods are designed to complement the artworks, creating an engaging and informative visitor experience. Visitors often find the intricate details and the stories behind each gift to be particularly fascinating. It’s a less crowded alternative to some of Macau's more famous landmarks, offering a moment of quiet reflection and cultural discovery.
Exploring Macau's Historic Charm
Beyond the iconic landmarks, exploring Taipa Village offers a different, yet equally charming, experience.
For those interested in deeper historical dives, the Macau Peninsula boasts numerous churches, fortresses, and traditional houses that are well worth exploring.
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