"Built in 1870, the Barrier Gate marks the border between Macau and Mainland China. Its Portuguese name, 'Porta do Cerco' which translates to 'Gate of Siege', hints at the friction that has historically surrounded this border crossing. Back in the days when communist China had virtually closed her borders, visitors used to come here in droves to look through the gate at the forbidden land. Today the border crossing is very busy and new buildings have been built to cope with the daily throng."