Macau and Its Fishing Heritage

Macau, located along the Pearl River Delta and facing the South China Sea, has a history deeply connected to fishing. Before becoming famous for tourism and casinos, Macau was originally a small fishing village. Generations of local families relied on the sea for their livelihoods, catching fish and seafood that became essential to the region’s cuisine and daily life.

In Taipa and Coloane, you can still find traces of this past in traditional fishing villages, old docks, and small temples where fishermen once prayed for safety and good fortune. Local dishes such as salted fish, shrimp paste, and dried seafood reflect this heritage, keeping the spirit of the sea alive in Macau’s kitchens.

Today, large-scale fishing has declined due to urban growth and economic changes, but the cultural influence remains strong. Museums, local festivals, and historic waterfront areas help preserve the memory of Macau’s fishing days, reminding both residents and visitors of the city’s humble beginnings by the sea.