A-Ma Temple was first built in around 1488 and existed before the city of Macao came into being. The name “Macao” is believed to derive from the Chinese “A-Ma-Gau” meaning “Bay of A-Ma”, on which the A-Ma Temple is located.

The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex makes A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.