Macau, China, March 23, 2026 (Lusa) - Macau municipal authorities told Lusa on Monday that Portuguese pavement may be replaced in certain areas with anti-slip materials, while maintaining the "original pattern and design."

The pavement, one of the territory's most distinctive elements of Portuguese culture, has been considered by the municipal authorities of the semi-autonomous Chinese city to be dangerous for pedestrians during rainy weather, as it becomes slippery and uneven.

In a response to Lusa, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) pointed out that the decision to replace the pavement in certain locations will be made only after evaluating the "use of roadways and environmental factors in different locations," as well as the "landscape and urban culture" of Macau.

Portuguese pavement was recently replaced in some areas of the city, namely at Ferreira do Amaral Plaza, one of the city's busiest areas.

Regarding the materials used on pavements, the IAM described that it will select them "according to different situations."

As for the existing Portuguese pavement in "cultural protection zones or other protection zones," the IAM indicated it will "study the feasibility of adopting similar models and more anti-slip coatings" to balance the city's historical and cultural landscape with public safety.

Although the historic centre of Macau has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Portuguese pavement was included in a separate bid by Portugal for World Heritage status, formalised in March 2025.

In addition to Portugal and Macau, Portuguese pavement is present in locations in Spain, Gibraltar, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil, the United States, and Canada.

NCM/RYOL // ADB.

Lusa