A web camera online broadcasts the Friendship Bridge near Taipa Island in Macau. The island of Taipa was first inhabited by humans in the mid-19th century, when the area was ruled by the Portuguese. It can be assumed that the name is similar to the word "taipa", which translates to a material made of clay, sand and straw, used for construction purposes.
But this guess would be incorrect, as most experts consider the word "dai ba" to be the foundation for the name of the island, because it was very often used by the Portuguese and in their dialect it means "a lot". The island's indigenous population calls its homeland Tamzai.
The first inhabitants of the island lived in two small towns. Following the agreement between China and Portugal, the Macau peninsula and two adjacent islands , Taipa and Coloane - came under the "wing" of the Portuguese. Culture and traditions were formed under the influence of colonizers, and they invested a lot of money in the development of the local population and production. A striking example of the influence of the Portuguese can be considered the opening of a company for the production of fireworks. After 1999, the Macau region moved to China as an autonomous unit.
The island does not boast a large number of educational centers or large shopping centers, but it does not need it. There are, of course, two institutions of higher education - the University of Macau and the University of Technology, but not because of them tourists like to come here. The north coast is literally strewn with well-groomed beaches, in addition, there are two bridges that connect the island with mainland China. Soon it is planned to build another bridge, because for the only airport for all autonomy, and even island, two bridges are not enough.
It is best to come here in winter or autumn, when the island is temperate. The average temperature is kept at 14 degrees Celsius, but in summer about such dimension should not dream - heavy rains or scorching sun, replacing each other during the day. The entire territory of the island can be explored by taxi, bus or ferry - it all depends on the preferences of each person and his financial capabilities. By the way, ferry crossings are also organized from the peninsula, which allow you to enjoy the sea views and get to the resort. From the island of Taipa you can get to the neighboring island of Coloane, where there are original beaches, in addition, there is an opportunity to cross to Hong Kong.
The only village on the island is on the south bank, where small houses are adjacent to the temples and mansions that were built by the Portuguese for their temporary housing. The hill attracts the attention of Carmel - the most famous church among tourists. From this attraction stretches a long path to the shore, walking on which you can get acquainted with the life of the local population. In order to see the mansions of colonists against the background of virgin vegetation, it is necessary to climb the stairs, built specifically for such purposes.
If the tourist is not exhausted, you can visit the local museum of architecture, which has all the examples of buildings that prevail during the reign of the Portuguese. And if your feet are tired and you want to relax in a picturesque place, it is definitely worth visiting the temple of Pak-Tai. Here you can relax, sitting on wooden benches and watching the sun's rays playing on lanterns made of wrought iron.