Macau Grand Prix

Grand Prix racing, which began in Macau in 1954, is the region's most glamorous annual sporting event. In mid- to late November the city is pierced with the sound of supercharged engines testing the 6.2-km (3.8-mile) Guia Circuit, which follows city roads along the Outer Harbour to Guia Hill and around the reservoir. The route is as challenging as that of Monaco, with rapid gear changes demanded at the right-angle Statue Corner, the Doña Maria bend, and the Melco hairpin. Cars achieve speeds of 275 kph (171 mph) on the straightaways, with the lap record approaching two minutes, 10 seconds. The premier event is the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, but there are also races for motorcycles and production cars. If you plan to visit Macau during this time, beware of the logistical disruption that results from the race, including rerouting of main roads and lack of hotel vacancies.