Celebrating Culinary Excellence and Value in Asia’s Iconic Cities

The 18th edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau has unveiled its highly anticipated Bib Gourmand awardees, recognizing restaurants that offer exceptional quality at accessible prices. The full list will be officially announced during the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026 ceremony on March 19, 2026, with digital publication available on Michelin’s website and app.

This year, eight new establishments have earned the Bib Gourmand distinction—six in Hong Kong and two in Macau—bringing the total to 83 across both regions: 70 in Hong Kong and 13 in Macau. These acclaimed eateries exemplify the rich diversity of Asia’s culinary landscape, from traditional Cantonese dishes to innovative fusion cuisines.

Hong Kong’s New Bib Gourmand Restaurants

1. Dragons’ Den (Reopened as Dragons’ Den)

Hidden in a shopping mall at the foot of Lion Rock, this restaurant pays homage to Cantonese classics with a retro and mid-century modern decor. Signature dishes include baked egg omelette with fish tripe, smoked squab (dry-aged and pear wood smoked), and popular dim sum selections. Certain seafood and barbecue dishes require pre-ordering, making it a favorite for authentic local flavors.

2. Fiata

A slice of Italy in Hong Kong, Fiata specializes in Neapolitan pizzas crafted by a Southern Italian chef using DOP ingredients. The standout provola e pepe pizza features smoky mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and a peppery kick, served on a light, chewy crust — perfect for pizza lovers exploring Asia’s culinary scene.

3. Ho Ho Chak

Named after the Teochew word for ‘delicious’, this Chiu Chow eatery run by three brothers offers top-quality seafood and traditional dishes like steamed pork patties with mud crab and fried omelette with dried radish and ground pork. They also engage in wholesale seafood and fruit, ensuring ingredient freshness.

4. Lai’s Kitchen

Paying homage to Hong Kong’s dai pai dong street food culture, Lai’s Kitchen features neon-lit signage and a casual vibe. The menu offers stir-fries, claypot rice, and the famous three-treasure claypot rice with pork sausage, goose liver sausage, and salted pork belly. The tea-scented crispy chicken is also highly recommended.

5. Siaw

A lively Thai spot with an open kitchen, vibrant decor, and Thai pop music, Siaw serves street snacks, boat noodles, rice dishes, and desserts. Try the pad kra pao (minced pork or beef with holy basil) or the crispy kha nom krok coconut pancakes.

6. Uncle Quek

Travel Asia Hong Kong Macau

Managed by Chef Barry Quek, known for Whey, Uncle Quek offers Southeast Asian home-style dishes with a creative twist. The lobster laksa, with a rich shrimp broth, and crispy cereal chicken are must-tries, delivering complex flavors at great value.

Macau’s New Bib Gourmand Restaurants

1. A Lorcha

Near Barra Temple, this welcoming restaurant features a nautical theme and serves hearty Portuguese cuisine. Highlights include salted cod fritters, pork and clam Alentejo, seafood rice, and Macanese coconut and turmeric chicken.

2. Nok Song

With Gothic-inspired architecture and warm wood accents, Nok Song offers fusion Thai dishes using international ingredients like Obsiblue shrimp from New Caledonia and Iberian pork. Don’t miss their mango soufflé pancake roll—a sweet finale to your culinary journey.

The Full Michelin Bib Gourmand List and Future Announcements

The complete list of Bib Gourmand winners will be revealed during the official Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026 ceremony on March 19, 2026, and will be available online and via the Michelin Guide app.

Explore Asia’s Gastronomic Diversity

From street food stalls to refined dining, Hong Kong and Macau continue to showcase the best of Asian cuisine—offering travelers authentic flavors at accessible prices. Whether you’re a foodie exploring travel destinations in Asia or seeking budget-friendly gourmet experiences, these Bib Gourmand establishments promise unforgettable culinary adventures.

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In another exciting collaboration with Iam Creative Industries Co., Ltd., SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Moomin Wonderful Encounter – Joyous Adventure in Macau” exhibition at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”). This enchanting showcase, running from 22 April to 31 August, is set to delight families with a host of themed activities, inviting guests to explore the whimsical world of the Moomin family and set sail on an extraordinary adventure.

Hailing from the magical forests of Finland, the Moomin characters, known for their pure hearts and kindred spirits, have charmed both children and adults alike. Their delightful simplicity and warmth will transport guests to the Nordic fairy tale lands of the Moominvalley, with the exhibition featuring interactive photo zones which are evocative of the iconic scenes from the Moomin universe, themed photo booths, gashapon machine, and a limited time Moomin souvenir shop. A towering 4-metre-tall inflatable Moomin is set to be a highlight attraction, and guests will also have the chance to meet live Moomin character for up-close photo opportunities.

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Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau

dding to the magic, the GLP Lobby Lounge will also feature themed menus, with Moomin and friends joining guests’ tables to add a sprinkle of joy to their visits.

For more information about the “Moomin Wonderful Encounter – Joyous Adventure in Macau” exhibition and related activities, please visit:https://qr.glp.mo/46dq5x

Moomin Wonderful Encounter – Joyous Adventure in Macau

Join the playful Moomin family for a joyous adventure at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The beloved creation of Swedish-Finn illustrator and writer Tove Jansson, for more than 79 years Moomin has delighted people around the world with his irresistibly fuzzy appearance and boundless curiosity. Explore the blossom-filled Moominvalley where Moomin, Snorkmaiden, Snufkin, Little My and his other friends are waiting to say hello. Savour a range of tasty, themed delicacies at the resort and bring home your favourite Moomin merchandise from our limited-time pop-up store. Come discover the great and wonderful Moominverse, where all nice things are good for you.

Event Period: 22 April to 31 August 2024 – https://www.grandlisboapalace.com/en/arts-n-events/moomin-wonderful-encounter 

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Andaz Macau in collaboration with Galaxy Macau™, the city’s prestigious luxury shopping, dining, entertainment and resort complex. The latest opening is the Andaz brand’s first and only hotel in Macau and its largest property globally. Inspired by the vibrant local art, culture, and architecture, the hotel features more than 700 uniquely appointed guest rooms and suites, immersing guests in the “real Macau.” The hotel features a stunning collection of artworks and artifacts that tells the story of the city’s soul through art, celebrating its heritage and future while allowing guests to express themselves through art.

Andaz Studio

A striking architectural addition to the city, Andaz Macau’s two hotel towers are located between the picturesque and well-preserved neighborhoods of Old Taipa and Coloane. Guests can easily access the city’s charming traditional attractions and Galaxy Macau’s world-class facilities. With its direct connection to both Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, as well as its dedicated check-in lounge explicitly designed to provide a seamless arrival for large groups, Andaz Macauoffers unrivalled convenience for both convention center and leisure guests.

A Masterclass in Macau-inspired Design and Artwork

Andaz Macau‘s design is truly a celebration of the city’s heritage and culture. Drawing inspiration from Macau‘s traditional architecture, the hotel’s design incorporates unique elements that pay homage to the city’s rich history. From the distinctive forms of old maritime harbor ships to the vibrant traditions of local Chinese culture, Andaz Macau offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the city’s unique heritage. Throughout the hotel, guests can encounter a stunning array of art and antiques that reflect the city’s diverse and richly layered culture.

Andaz Macau Check-in counter

Upon entering Andaz Macau, guests are greeted with art that captures the unique juxtaposition of East-West cultures that Macau is known for, including a stunning wall installation titled “Landscapes Interlaced,” featuring layered Macau skyline photographs with natural Chinese materials woven throughout. Guests can also admire elegant sculptures made with hand-painted Portuguese tile patterns and mannequins dressed in intricately embroidered couture gowns.

A signature feature is the “Macau Steps,” a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory staircase that showcases over 100 videos that beautifully narrate the history of the city, creating a captivating experience. The videos start with busy streets at the bottom and gradually lead to a peaceful and serene nature at the top, taking guests on an enchanting journey of exploration that perfectly captures the essence of the real Macau.

The Andaz Lounge on Level 6 is designed with nods to Macau‘s rich history, featuring a Portuguese-style mosaic made of mother-of-pearl and stunning couture gowns showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of both Chinese and Portuguese cultures. This space serves as a relaxing oasis and a social hub for guests to connect over a freshly brewed cup of coffee or unwind after exploring the city.

Innovative Guestrooms

2 Twin beds

The hotel’s rooms and suites are inspired by the surrounding area, with beautiful forest greens and earthy orange hues reflecting the lush green landscapes of the neighborhood. The accommodations range from spacious 375 square feet (35 square meter) guestrooms to expansive 730 square feet (68 square meter) suites. These welcoming spaces are perfectly complemented by carefully chosen local amenities and a minibar stocked with locally sourced eats including biscuits from Macau Yeng Kee Bakery.

Embark on a Culinary Journey

Andaz Macau is a haven for gourmands and is home to a trio of captivating culinary venues where guests can experience the authentic flavors of Macau alongside classic global dishes.

Indoor swimming pool

The largest eatery, Andaz Kitchen, is a bustling all-day-dining neighborhood destination. Talented chefs perform eye-catching, live-action cooking and serve up a dazzling array of Chinese, Portuguese, and Western dishes. The overall design of Andaz Kitchen draws inspiration from old Macau shophouses, with further nods to the city’s heritage in the form of Portuguese mosaic tiles on the floor and high wooden archways that reference the city’s maritime history. One of the most striking features of Andaz Kitchen is the “Layers of Tradition” wall, which showcases a curated collection of blue-and-white ceramic plates with hand-painted motifs inspired by Chinese and Portuguese accents commonly seen in Macau.

Adjacent to Andaz Kitchen is Andaz Studio, an inviting space with the look and feel of an elegant library room. Serving the hotel’s daily breakfast service, Andaz Studio has also been designed as a flexible, multi-function venue that can host up to 80 guests for events, cocktail receptions, and a variety of social occasions, as well as interactive experiences such as master chef cooking classes.

Andaz Artpiece Phoenix Rising and Juxtapose

At the intimate Andaz Bar, business and leisure guests can unwind while enjoying creative cocktails prepared by the hotel’s expert mixologists and craft beers produced by a local brewery. The bar’s design pays homage to Macau‘s distinctive European-style architecture, while splashes of teal and orange are a reminder of the city’s proud maritime history.

Wellness

Guests of Andaz Macau have access to various recreational amenities, including a heated 62-foot (19-meter) swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary access to the Grand Resort Deck at Galaxy Macau, known as the world’s leading Skytop oasis.

Meetings and Events Venues

Andaz Macau is the perfect venue for a variety of events and meetings, with versatile meeting rooms and event spaces located in the adjacent Galaxy International Convention Centre. The dedicated check-in lounge is designed to ensure a seamless arrival for attendees. The boardroom on level 2 is also an excellent option for those looking for a space to hold creative breakout sessions or productive meetings. And when it’s time for a break, the adjacent lounge area is the perfect spot for a cocktail reception with innovative drinks and delicious dishes made by the experienced culinary team.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhance its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.

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SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Iam Creative Industries Co., Ltd. to present the “Miffy Creative Show” at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”) from 25 September to 12 November 2023 in continued celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. The new exhibition, featuring the world-famous character Miffy, is designed to attract residents and tourists. To complement the colourful and creative exhibit, SJM is launching a series of Miffy-themed activities, including stamp collection treasure hunts at Grand Lisboa Palace, interactive games, creatively designed themed delicacies and more, for children and adults to enjoy the charm of the international beloved character, Miffy together.

Coming from Netherlands as a well-known picture book star, Miffy is a white bunny with straight ears and signature crisscross mouth. She captured the hearts of countless children with her honesty, innocence and bravery. Miffy was created in 1955 after Bruna had been telling his one-year-old son, Sierk, stories about a little rabbit they had seen earlier in the dunes, while on holiday in Holland.

Following on from Taipei’s “Miffy Exhibition” last year, Grand Lisboa Palace looks forward to bringing the exhibit to Macau in September. The exhibition will be divided into three areas – the exhibition area, an interactive game zone and a gifts area. Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with 2-metre-tall Miffy and engage in on-site interactive games. Additionally, guests can collect stamps at designated locations throughout the integrated resort to redeem limited-edition souvenirs. Furthermore, visitors can discover a special edition of Miffy, which has been handcrafted by young, local artist and designed with Macau characteristics. Other Miffy figures will also serve as guides, leading our audience to explore the signature buildings and Jardim Secreto of Grand Lisboa Palace. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy Miffy-themed delicacies and purchase their favourite Miffy merchandise in the gifts area, to fully immerse themselves in the wonderful moments with the adorable Miffy.

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The “MOONLIGHT SPLENDOUR – SJM Lantern Festival” will take place from 21 September to 10 November at both the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”) and Grand Lisboa Hotel, offering free admission to visitors. SJM is taking the festival to new heights this year by inviting acclaimed artists from Asia to be joined by Macau’s very own creative artists to showcase their large-scale lantern installations for locals and visitors to enjoy. Additionally, it serves as a platform for local and international artists to exchange ideas, further advancing the development of Macau‘s cultural industry. The quartet of Asian artists participating include:

Rukkit – Thailand

Rukkit – Thailand

Rukkit is a a graphic designer and street artist. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He started creating street art in 2011, with applied stencil, in a colourful and geometric style. He has left his mark on many cities around the world including Dubai, India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. He has also collaborated with many Thai and world-renowned brands such as Nike, Casio, Toyota, Lacoste Live, Be@rbrick Medicomtoy, Seiko, Starbucks, Nissan and more.

ANTZ – SIngapore

ANTZ – Singapore

ANTZ is a versatile urban artist known for his unique and artistic style. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology and legendary folklore, his works seamlessly merge traditional Chinese art and Pop Art. With his in-depth knowledge of design and respect for Chinese culture and aesthetics, he has risen to prominence in the art world and has traveled all over the world including China, Southeast Asia, North America and Europe. He has also worked with world-renowned brands such as Neiman Marcus, OCBC Bank, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Sentosa, Facebook and more.

Luo Zongjie – China

Luo Zongjie (RUOB) – China

RUOB is a well-known graffiti artist, a collaborator with major brands and IP creator. Since 2012, he has created exclusive IPs for more than 10 years. He has been invited to participate in hundreds of graffiti art or street cultural activities, and has completed hundreds of works all across Mainland China. In 2018, RUOB graduated from the Sculpture Department at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, with works covering sculptures, inflatable models, graffiti, toys, illustrations, animation, multimedia and a variety of other art forms. In 2020, he ventured into the art trading market with his works being showcased in art galleries across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and other destinations. He has also been invited to participate in major art exhibitions and auctions while collaborating with many well-known fashion brands both at home and abroad.

Rainbo Peng – Hong Kong

Rainbo Peng – Hong Kong

After becoming a street artist in 2006, Rainbo also pursued other forms of art projects including giant street murals, acrylic oil paintings, ceramics, sculptures, bronze castings and designer toys. Over the years, her unique understanding of traditional culture has become the cornerstone of her creations, where she portrays simplicity, innocence, nature and balance throughout her work. She prefers producing art by hand rather than digitally because handmade artworks give people a greater sense of warmth and offer a more human touch.

Yolanda Kog – Macau

Yolanda Kog – Macau

Yolanda is a freelance illustrator and art tutor who has participated in publishing numerous picture books and journals. She often collaborates with various art associations, schools, magazines as well as brands, while also holding many solo exhibitions and joint art exhibitions both at home in Macau and abroad. In recent years, she has focused on illustrations and independent publishing. In 2020, she received the Excellence Award in the Graphic Illustrations Works category of the 5th Macau International Contemporary Illustrations Competition, and won the Gold Award Certificate in the China ILLUSTRATION BIENNALE 2021-2022. In 2022, she was recognised on the long list of the World Illustration Awards 2022 in the exploration category, and received the Merit Award from the 9th Hiii Illustration International Competition.

Hera Ieong – Macau

Hera Ieong – Macau

An active member of the art community, Hera is an art educator, curator, Chairman of the Hou Sheung Printing Society, Vice Chairman of the Hou Kong Printing Society, Vice Chairman of the Macau Association of Calligraphy and Sculpture of Seals, and Vice Chairman of the Macau Youth Art Association. She earned a BA in Painting and Calligraphy Arts from the National Taiwan University of Arts and graduated with an MA in Plastic Art. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Contemporary Visual Culture from the Department of Fine Arts. Her early works were primarily paintings with oriental media and seal carvings, and has used various forms of multimedia including photography, installation, video and more to explore a variety of psychological states of a foreigner. Her art pieces have been exhibited in Macau, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, the United States and Portugal. She has also held two solo exhibitions in Taiwan titled “Exotic” and “Exotic, Alienated,

Carlo Lio – Macau

Carlo Lio – Macau

Influenced by Macau‘s Chinese and Western culture since his early childhood, Carlo decided to pursue a career in the arts during high school. In 2014, he graduated from the Department of Sculpture at the National Taiwan University of Arts, majoring in stone sculpture. In 2017, he travelled to Germany and Italy to study traditional stone carving techniques and he is currently studying his PhD at his alma mater where he also serves as a teaching assistant for the stone carving workshop at the Department of Sculpture. In 2021 and 2022, he was selected to participate in the “Sculptors Training Project in Hualien” organised by the Hualien Cultural Affairs Bureau. He has also contributed to various art projects, including the maintenance of the diocese icons at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, and served as an instructor for the “Art Education Snowball Project—Visual Arts” (“藝術教育雪球計劃──視覺藝術全接觸”) organised by the Macao SAR Education and Youth Development Bureau. Committed toward becoming a multi-faceted artist, today he spends his time creating stone carvings and carrying out professional research.

Wing Pun – Macau

Wing Pun – Macau

Director of the Macau Youth Art Association, freelance theatre artist, as well as a certified Zentangle teacher in the United States. She is currently studying PhD at Taipei National University of Arts, where she is majoring in stage design and minoring in technical and lighting design at the university’s Department of Theatrical Design & Technology. She graduated from the Macao Polytechnic University, majoring in fine arts and oil painting. She was a student of local artist Lio Hak Man and specialized in using symbolism to express personal emotions in her paintings and designs. Throughout her career, she has worked as an administrative secretary for the Macau Artist Society; an instructor of painting classes in schools and education centers as well as an instructor and event planner for children’s drama productions. She also represented the Macao SAR by participating in the 45th Worldskills Competition in Kazan, Russia where she won ninth place. In 2013, she received the “Western Painting Rookie Award” at the XXIX Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists.

Yanlas Sou – Macau

Yanlas Sou – Macau

Actively engaged in children’s art education, Yanlas graduated from the Macao Polytechnic University, where she majored in education from the School of Visual Arts. She specialised in sculptures and has a strong passion about ceramics and the exploration of various media forms. She has often participated in a number of joint exhibitions in Macau and abroad. Her works have been selected for the 12th and 13th National Art Exhibitions; the 2017 China East Lake Young Artists Invitational Exhibition; the 2014 China Changchun World Sculpture Conference – Chinese Contemporary Youth Sculpture Exhibition, as well as the 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2019 Macao Visual Art Annual Exhibitions.

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SJM Resorts, S.A., in collaboration with Macau Artist Society and the Macau Youth Art Association, is once again presenting the “MOONLIGHT SPLENDOUR – SJM Lantern Festival” during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, alongside a series of captivating extended activities to promote traditional Chinese culture. The event is also supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Government Tourism Office. Based on Macau’s positioning as “a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist”, the exhibition will feature the works of four renowned artists from across Asia and five talented emerging local artists from Macau. The result is an assemblage of lantern art installations that resound with Macau’s vibrancy and cultural depth. This powerful collaboration of creativity will further deepen the cross-sector integration of Macau’s “culture and creativity + tourism”, actively supporting the Macao SAR Government’s “1+4” strategy for adequate diversification.

The “MOONLIGHT SPLENDOUR – SJM Lantern Festival” will take place from 21 September to 10 November at both the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”) and Grand Lisboa Hotel, offering free admission to visitors. SJM is taking the festival to new heights this year by inviting acclaimed artists from Asia to be joined by Macau’s very own creative artists to showcase their large-scale lantern installations for locals and visitors to enjoy. Additionally, it serves as a platform for local and international artists to exchange ideas, further advancing the development of Macau‘s cultural industry.

The quartet of Asian artists participating include the famed Thai street artist Rukkit; Singaporean urban street artist ANTZ; Mainland China’s popular graffiti artist RUOB and Rainbo Peng, a renowned street artist from Hong Kong. The five young artists from Macau include graphic illustrator Yolanda Kog; multimedia artist Hera Ieong; stone sculpture artist Carlo Lio; oil painter Wing Pun and sculpture artist Yanlas Sou.

Rainbo Peng from Hong Kong

The nine artists have integrated the latest art trends and their individual artistic styles to create traditional Chinese lanterns. With “vitality” as this year’s theme, the artists have skilfully crafted 11 extraordinary lantern art installations. Visitors are also invited to join special guided tours to learn more about each exhibit and discover the profound cultural significance these lanterns encapsulate.

SJM is also organising parent-child workshops with the event’s participating artists, giving children the opportunity to unleash their creativity through hands-on lantern-making experiences, while also sharing Chinese art and culture with the younger generation. In celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, Grand Lisboa Palace will host a series of festivities at Jardim Secreto. Set in a picturesque outdoor environment, visitors can relish delightful delicacies beneath the moonlight and fully immerse themselves in the world of lantern arts.

For the full list of artists at the festival, click this LINK

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Macau – a Chinese temple

China, a short five-letters name, yet in these five letters dwells the name of the largest and most powerful nation in Asia, the fourth in the world in size. A country rich in history, culture and art, a country that for one reason or another, most people wants to visit, fascinated by books, films and comics that have always presented China to the world in their own way. From Marco Polo to the Kung Fu movies that were a big hit in the past, to the well-known Last Emperor in Bertolucci’s masterpiece; from Mao‘s Little Red Book of Thoughts to Corto Maltese’s trip from Hong Kong to Harbin, nearly each one of us, for one reason or another, has been attracted by this partly mysterious country caged, up to a few years ago, by an inaccessible ‘forbidden door’.

Those were different eras, of course, because China has always been there; not always visible to the world perhaps, but always present, like a Damocles’ sword which we need to confront with sooner or later.

“China is near”, it is often said; perhaps with a hint of fear by those who see this majestic nation as a looming threat, or with a certain admiration by those who are moved by its arts and culture. Huge amounts of people queue up to see the XiAn terracotta warriors when they are taken to exhibitions around the world; many who passionately follow the Maoist ideals that made ​​inroads in the 70s, still look with pride and hope at the affairs of the homeland of non-soviet communism.

Personally, the fascination for China reached me almost 20 years ago when I was living in Italy and China was not close at all, but was in fact approaching thanks to my relocation to Asia.

Woman praying in a Chinese temple in Bangkok

I started to see China in the countless Chinatowns of the places I was passing through: Bangkok, Penang, Kuching. Extending my gaze beyond an impenetrable horizon, I saw, or rather I imagined, its far shores from the Thai banks of the Mekong River; I saw its door, no longer forbidden, at the border posts in Macao and Hong Kong, countries that belonged to China but that have already been barbarized by the previous presence of foreigners.

China was always there, almost within reach, an open door inviting me to enter, whispering in my ear: “come in, come.”

Like Oscar Wilde, I too ‘can resist everything except temptations’, and China is an unfair temptress, setting traps during years and years, throwing hooks and waiting for my arrival, patient as a Chinese citizen, sitting on the edge of that proverbial river. And I, for years, watched China secretly, as one peeps the generous cleavage of a busty lady, playing indifference, pretending not to show interest yet admiring, with the corner of one eye, this shrewd Lady of the nations with the air of one who still feels too inexperienced to enjoy its grace.

Now that I am a grown up and mature enough to court her, and my approach is just a few days away, I realize China is so terribly big that the preparation of a journey inside its borders presents a hardship far greater than difficult visa applications. “Where do I start?”, is the question that has been haunting me for the last few days.

China Town – Penang (Malaysia)

I look at a map, I read a name without conviction, then I say: “I want to go there”, then the eye continues to run greedily on the same map, I read another name and with equal conviction I add: “Yeah, I also want to go there”. But time, as you well know, is an evil tyrant, and the little of it I have at my disposal forces me to make some hard choices. There is an infinite number of names, and they all convey feelings, exoticism, culture and somehow poetry. I need to pick one, and one only. In the end I choose Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province…

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