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Home/Countries/Macau/Museums & culture/Lai Chi Vun Shipyards

Lai Chi Vun Shipyards

Abandoned timber shipyards on the Coloane waterfront, where wooden junks were built until the 2000s.

Updated 14 October 2026

Typeshipyard
WhereColoane
Nearest cityMacao
Best seasonOctober to December
Time to allowAn hour or two
Getting thereOn the western shore of Coloane; bus or taxi from Coloane village
EntryFree; parts fenced

At Lai Chi Vun on the western side of Coloane, a row of timber-framed sheds stands over the water where wooden fishing junks were built and repaired from the 1950s until the industry collapsed in the early 2000s. The structures were left to rot and were nearly demolished before a campaign led to partial restoration, and some now hold exhibition space while others remain as skeletons. The Chinese mainland is directly across the channel.

Highlights

  • The timber sheds - the shipbuilding frames standing out over the water.
  • The restored buildings - the sections converted to exhibition space.
  • The ruins - the sheds left as skeletons where restoration has not reached.
  • The channel - the water separating Coloane from the mainland opposite.

When to go

October to December is dry and cool. Restored sections keep daytime hours and close some days. The waterfront path is open longer.

What to expect

Much of the site remains fenced off and unsafe. Restored sections keep limited hours and hold changing exhibitions. Access is by bus or taxi from Coloane village.

Nearby

Coloane village is southeast, and Cheoc Van Beach is south.

What to pack for Lai Chi Vun Shipyards

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Travel rod + reel - A packable multi-piece rod fits in a case and covers most holiday fishing. Find on Amazon
  • Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
  • A small tackle selection - Hooks, weights, line and a few lures or flies suited to local waters. Find on Amazon
  • A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon

Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Plan your trip

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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