Leased in the 16th century, Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999 when it was handed back to China. The former colony is still full of Portuguese flavour and is home to the magnificent ruins of the Church of St Paul. Macau lies just a short distance across the water from Hong Kong and at one time was a very popular destination for gamblers from Hong Kong, hence the numerous casinos you still find here. Just a short hydrofoil ride away, it still makes a good day trip from Hong Kong.