Here in Macau’s landscape lies a testament to ambition. It is a story etched in reclaimed land. This is the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior. It is often called NAPE. Some know it affectionately as the “Dynasty Zone”.
Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior stands as a symbol of Macau’s ever-changing skyline. This area south of Avenida da Amizade with the central point being Song Yuh Sang Square, stretching east and west to Avenida da Amizade and Avenida do. It represents a modern chapter in Macau’s rich history.
Imagine this area decades ago. Much of it was underwater. In the 1990s, the filling began transforming the sea into land. Macau needed space. Land reclamation became essential. The Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior emerged.
The Dynasty Plaza was the first building in this new area. The name “Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior” was long. People started calling it “Dynasty Zone” after the plaza.
The area is divided into different sections. One key area is the commercial and residential district. Here, modern office buildings tower over the landscape. Many businesses have set up offices. This makes it a key business hub. The buildings often have a unique design. Commercial towers stand in front of residential buildings. They are linked together.
In 2022, the government planned new government offices. These will be built on recovered land. One will rise near the Sunshine Plaza. The other will be across from the Macau Cultural Centre.
The transformation of the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior extends to leisure. The Song Yuh Sang Square is a major landmark. It is the largest leisure facility in the area.
Evening in the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior is different. A vibrant nightlife emerges. Bars line the streets offering entertainment. This area has become known as a “bar street”. It is compared to “Lan Kwai Fong” in Hong Kong. Over forty bars and karaoke venues now operate here.
In the early days, Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior was mainly for business and homes. After 2002, many entertainment venues opened. These include the Wynn Macau and the MGM Grand.
Several schools are also located here. These include Colégio Diocesano de S. José and the Tong Sin Tong Kindergarten. The Macao Polytechnic University also has facilities.
Transportation is vital in the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior. The Avenida da Amizade is a main road. However, traffic can be heavy. Bus routes have been adjusted over the years. The Light Rail Transit system is planned to alleviate traffic.
The government is planning to develop the area further. A management plan includes residential areas. These could house around 96,000 people. A central green corridor will run through the area. Green spaces will also connect the east and west sides.
As we conclude our visit, consider the layers of history. The Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior embodies Macau’s ambition. It showcases its drive to create and innovate. It is a reminder of how land can be transformed.