The 60 rooms of Mandarin's House resonate with the memory of its most famous resident - a prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying who was also a political reformer and a late Qing dynasty merchant.

Opened to the public this February, the lovingly restored vintage residence which sprawls over 4,000 square metres encompasses a garden, gatehouse, courtyards, servants and master's quarters. The buildings are built in Chinese style except for certain Western influences in the ceilings and archways over the door while the mother of pearl window openings are said to be of Indian origin. Restored skillfully over a period of eight years, a museum and an exhibition space are planned in the second phase.

Rising gracefully in the historic centre of Macau, trapped in the limbo of time and brimming with churches, temples, squares and gardens, Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion are the only two traditional Chinese residential buildings in the area. Situated on Travessa de António da Silva close to Lilau Square, one of the oldest Portuguese style piazzas in the city, this house embodies the colliding and eventual marrying of different worlds that is typical of Macau. The Portuguese legacy intertwined with Chinese ancestry has spawned hybrid architectural styles, numerous legends, a fine local cuisine and that beautiful mixture of races - the Macanese.

Incidentally, the world-heritage protected building can only accommodate 100 visitors at a time and priority will be given to those who pre-register.

After a visit, embark on a church and temple hopping tour culminating at a shrine dedicated to the spirit of the grape: the Wine Museum. Post an intoxicating wine-tasting session, zoom through the adjoining Grand Prix museum where sleek exhibits trace the history of speed. (The Macau Grand Prix roars into the territory every November.)  A shift in gear and setting - stroll through lush Chinese gardens adorned with quaint bridges and pavilions where local residents, young and old, assemble to do Tai Chi.

Drive across to the islands of Taipa and Coloane where the old spirit of Macau still lurks amidst the glitzy new resorts.

Macau Calling

Macau is basking in the spotlight thanks to the opening of multi-billion dollar resorts and luxury hotels. A Special Administrative Region of China, the 29.2 sq km territory has metamorphosed into a family entertainment centre a la Las Vegas. More deluxe resorts are going to make their debut, shifting the focus from roulette to razzmatazz, convention tourism and family entertainment.

Modern buildings rub shoulders with restored colonial edifices, Portuguese churches, Chinese gardens and temples.... Plug into Macau's Chinese-Portuguese heart.

Apart from the nightlife and the glittering shows, young adventurers can get an adrenaline rush at the Macau Tower by plunging down the world's highest commercial bungy jump (233 m), sky jumping or by embarking on a sky walk along the tower's outer rim.

Memories of a rollicking holiday in Macau will stay with you even when the photographs start to fade.(GNN)