New 388-metre zip line in China’s gambling hub Macau takes adventure in the city to new heights
- Billed as an immersive urban skyscraper zip line, ZipCity Macau allows five people to ride simultaneously at speeds of up to 55km/h
- More than 100,000 LED lights illuminate the take-off tower, platforms, cables and landing zone, while a custom-made soundtrack enhances the sensory experience
When Macau reopened its doors to visitors in January, it unleashed a flood of emotions from those working in the hard-hit tourism industry.
Scott Davies, CEO of ZipCity Macau, which offers “flights” on an immersive urban skyscraper zip line, felt a mix of relief and hope.
“A lot of people had been waiting for that moment for a long time,” says Davies. “It came with a lot of emotions.”
Today, Davies feels like he’s in the right place at the right time.
In its pre-Covid days, the city attracted almost 40 million tourists annually. Casinos were the major drawcard – in 2019, revenue from the sector hit a whopping US$36 billion, six times that of Las Vegas.
But Macau is shifting its focus to appeal to a wider audience, one seeking fun and adventure.
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Driving the shift is a 10-year, US$15 billion investment from the major casino licence holders, 90 per cent of which will go towards non-gaming initiatives such as theme parks, exhibitions, water parks, shopping venues and other family-friendly activities.
ZipCity, located at the Lisboeta Macau hotel in the Cotai neighbourhood, fits the new vision.
It takes adventure to new heights, allowing five riders to simultaneously zip along 388-metre (1,273-foot) lines, reaching speeds of up to 55km/h (34mph).
Adding to the experience are more than 100,000 LED lights illuminating the take-off tower, platforms, cables and landing zone. A custom-made soundtrack enhances the sensory experience while artificial-intelligence-powered video cameras capture all the fun, delivering footage of the ride to the customer soon after landing.
It’s a rush – and it’s addictive, says Davies. “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve taken a flight.”
He adds that Macau appeals to Hongkongers because a ferry or bus fare is convenient – and economical.
“The days when people took a cheeky flight for a weekend getaway to places like Thailand aren’t happening because flights are still pretty expensive, particularly if you have a family,” he says.
While ZipCity is new to Macau, Davies’ network is spread around the globe, providing thrilling rides from the botanical gardens of Vancouver, Canada, to the spectacular ocean views of the Caribbean.
“‘Flying’ over natural wonders has long been associated with zip lining but in Macau the immersive urban audiovisual experience is unique,” Davies says.
“We wanted to take an already thrilling experience and enhance it while making it accessible to all age groups. And Macau, with all its glitz and amazing views, well it really works in that context.”
