A-Ma Temple is one of the most important attractions in Macau and is the oldest member of the UNESCO World Heritage collection. The temple is located at the Southwest tip of the Macau Peninsula at Barra Square and it marks the end of the World Heritage trail for the Historic City Centre of Macau.

Historically, the first structures at A-Ma temple were built around 1490AD on the sight, where according to local legend, a lost young girl, named Matzu (locally referred to as A-Ma) appeared upon the rocks as a goddess to local fisherman. As such, A-Ma is has been widely celebrated at the temple for centuries. Other deities, like the popular Guin Yin (Kun Iam) and Tin Hau also are worshiped in the respective prayer halls found at A-Ma Temple.

An interesting historical tidbit that involves the temple is that the name Macau is believed to have derived from from A-Ma Temple. It is said that the Portuguese named the island Macau, after hearing locals refer to the area in as 'A Maa Gau', which means Bay of A-Ma in Chinese.

Beyond the significant and important history of A-Ma Temple, it is also a nice place to visit and explore. Its various halls, pavilions and courtyards scale the side of Barra Hall and are connected by winding footpaths. There are many red coloured buildings, some decorative and quite photogenic like the front prayer hall with the traditional moon gate. It is also worth seeing the stone lions which guard the memorial archway entrance into the temple grounds.

One of the most interesting times to visit A-Ma temple is during the annual Chinese New Year holiday, when worshippers flock to the temple grounds to make offerings, burn joss-sticks and shoot off firecracker rolls, which can make a real spectacle, especially on the first day of the Chinese New Year.

Unfortunately, it is very crowded and difficult to explore the temple grounds at this time of year. However, you can stay on Barra Square and simply look into the temple grounds since it slopes up a hill. This allows you to watch the action. Just make sure to cover your ears when the firecrackers start popping. It can get loud.

In the end, A-Ma Temple is one of the most interesting and important attractions in Macau. Even for those making a day trip from Hong Kong, this is one of the attractions that is well-worth trying to make time for.