1930s China through American eyes

On the promenade of Macao

The city occupies a peninsula three miles long and a mile wide with the harbor spread out in the shape of a crescent at the foot of a great hill. Old world buildings that look as though they have been lifted from the streets of Lisbon cover the hill and from the colorful and fragrant gardens rise red roofs and walls of every color.

Macao is notorious as a gambling center and is called the Monte Carlo of the East. It is a veritable Eden for those to whom reckless gambling is the greatest thrill life affords. The gambling resorts begin near the steamer landing and can be found in all part of the town. Fan-tan is one of the most popular games. Because of its night life it attracts also the tourists who come to observe and who will probably chance some of their smaller coins just so they can say they have wooed Dame Fortune and Macao.

[Photo provided to China Daily/Keystone View Company]