The Guia Lighthouse is opening its doors to the public on the 8 and 9 of June, to commemorate China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day – celebrated annually on the second weekend of this month.
The heritage-listed structure, built in 1865, only allows the public inside a few times throughout the year. Admission will be free of charge and from 10 am to 5:30 pm both days.
The Guia Lighthouse was the first modern lighthouse on China’s coastline. According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau (known by its Portuguese initials IC), the special opening is a chance for the public “to visit and appreciate the beautiful views of the city from the top of the lighthouse” and learn more about its role in history.
[See more: Conservationists say not enough is being done to protect the Guia Lighthouse]
The IC has organised a raft of other activities for China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, too, such as free, hands-on workshops at a variety of cultural venues across the city. You can learn how to make tea art at the Lou Kau Mansion, for example, or bamboo lamps at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, among many other options.
There will also be guided tours of the Mount Fortress and House of Macao Literature, as well as free immersive sessions of the virtual reality exhibition, Visiting the Ruins of St. Paul’s in Space and Time.
Pre-registration for workshops and some tours is necessary and can be done via the Activity button of your Macao One Account.