Macau recognized as one of Asia’s top walkable cities

Macau has been recognized as one of Asia’s top nine walkable cities by the travel website Skyscanner, praised for its compact size and 517 attractions.

However, experts suggest further improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and traffic management to enhance its appeal.

Skyscanner ranked Macau among Asia’s most walkable cities based on criteria such as total area, attractions, walking time between sites, crime rates, cleanliness, and pollution levels. As the only Chinese city on the list, Macau’s less than 10-square-kilometer area and dense concentration of attractions contributed to its ranking.

Japan’s Nagasaki and Hiroshima topped the list, also appearing in Skyscanner’s global top 10.

Architect Lui Chak Keong believes Macau has the potential to create more small pedestrian zones, providing alternative routes without disrupting the daily movement of residents. However, he emphasizes that such zones should be designed with the needs of local residents, businesses, and delivery services in mind.

“Pedestrianization requires an assessment of the impact on residents and businesses,” Lui said in a TDM report. “If the zones are too large, it could increase traffic in the area and cause inconvenience.”

Lawmaker Che Sai Wang called for improvements to the transport system and adjustments to road construction, ensuring that travel and traffic apps accurately reflect Macau’s traffic and mapping realities. He also stressed the importance of better communication between the traffic department and the tourism bureau.

Che, speaking to TDM, cited Rua de Cinco de Outubro, where the lack of sidewalks often leads to conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. “It’s a main thoroughfare, and it would be better to have separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians,” he said. “If we can designate pedestrian walkways, it would help small and medium-sized businesses thrive.”

Both experts agreed that adding shaded resting areas along walkways would further enhance Macau’s walkability. While the city’s ranking as the 10th most accessible city globally is commendable, Che believes there is still room for improvement in accessible road construction and transport infrastructure. Victoria Chan