Macau backstreets 1986. The former Portuguese territory is busy changing its face in preparation for its transfer of sovereignty to mainland China in 1999. I was based in Macau from 1985-1988 at a time when it still had an East meets West feel. Many of the former Sino-Portuguese dwellings were being demolished, land was frantically being reclaimed and Macau was set to overtake Las Vegas as the world’s largest casino town. The billboard in this photograph announces the construction of Tin Fok (Lucky Heaven) building which, unlike much of the development, will retain and restore its original entrance. Since the 80’s Macau’s growth has been phenomenal. According to the IMF, it will overtake Qatar to have the highest per-capita GDP by 2020.