Visiting the A-Ma Temple in Macau

Collaborative post by Amy Hamer.

A-Ma Temple: Introduction

Have you heard of the A-Ma Temple? All around the world, you can find places to visit of extreme historical importance. From Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, to the Mayan ruins of Belize, the modern world holds many wonderful glimpses into the lives and beliefs of those who have gone before us. Some of these places remain hugely significant in terms of religion or the cultural history of an area.

Where is the A-Ma Temple?

One such temple that you may not be familiar with is the A-Ma Temple in the South Chinese region of Macau. Lonelyplanet.com describes Macau as the ‘Vegas of China’, a label that hints at gaudy lights and a bustling, modern center. That might be accurate for certain parts of it, but this former Portuguese colony is also brimming with history and culture, with the A-Ma temple right in the middle of that history. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, anybody hunting culture and history in the area should pay a visit.

Since 1557, Ming China leased the territory to Portugal as a trading colony. It is believed the first place they landed was the A-Ma temple, also known as Ma Kok Miu, according to Poker.org. That traditional name is thought to be the source of the name Macau, demonstrating the historical importance it still holds today. The story is that when Portuguese sailors first arrived in the area, they asked the name of the place. They were told A-maa-gok, which means the Pavilion of the Mother. It is believed to have led to the peninsula being named Macau, as we know it today.

A place of worship.

The temple is meant to be a place for silent worship. Here, one can light a candle and contemplate the world in peaceful and colorful surroundings. Unfortunately, the modern world does not quite allow for that. A-Ma Temple is one of the most visited and photographed places in Macau. Every day it is a busy place with a constant parade of tourists, and with good reason. With stone archways, dangling incense cones and plenty of life and color, it is a contrast within itself. It is both a place of peace and tranquility as well as a hub of color and life. That makes it even more fascinating for a tourist.

Best time to visit the A-Ma Temple.

The A-MA Tempe opens at 7am in the morning. That really is the best time to arrive, before many other visitors. Although it won’t be just you and the temple, you will have more chance of exploring the vast complex at your own leisure. Hopefully, you can then be out when the peak hours arrive.

With six key areas to visit, plan for a full day. You will want to see the Gate Pavilion, Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall and Hall of Benevolence (the oldest part of the temple.) The Hall of Guanyin and Zhengjiao Chanlin will complete your visit. Even if you get through those quickly, there is still plenty in the area to keep you engaged and entertained. The Portuguese restaurants around Barra Square are recommended for lunch, with A Lorcha and Café Litoral both being very popular.

As well as being a Buddhist Temple, A-Ma was a hub of the fishing community for many years. It is close to the Maritime Museum, making it the perfect complement to a morning stroll. It is a great way to take in some of the history and culture of the area, away from the spinning wheels and bright lights of the casinos.