In July 2005, "The Historic Centre of Macau" was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, recognizing the architectural legacies interwoven in the midst of the original urban fabric of Macau, a witness to successful East-West cultural co-existence. A-Ma Temple is reputedly the place in Macau where the Portuguese first landed, and is the starting point of this historical exploration.

The Temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder-strewn hill connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which a traditional sailing junk was etched over 400 years ago. On other boulders you can see red carved characters invoking the blessings of the gods. Chinese legend says that touching the top of the moon gate up the hill will bring good luck in love.

Opposite the temple lies the Maritime Museum, featuring many aspects of Portuguese and Chinese maritime history covering the period from the Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Century. Several famous Portuguese restaurants are located nearby.

This temple is distinguished by beautiful tiled roofs and spectacular views from the upper gardens. The festival of A-Ma takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd moon (April or May). Firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits, are exploded in the entrance courtyard to greet tour groups and lions dances are performed here on weekends.