The adjacent streets of Rua and Beco da Felicidade were originally marshland. From 1862 to 1874, some wealthy Fukienese merchants bought the area and following a series of land reclamations and construction, the area became a busy quarter occupied by banks, restaurants, stores, and theatres, as well as brothels and opium dens. Rua da Felicidade was at that time the “Red Lantern District” of Macao and after the Macao government prohibited prostitution in the early part of the 20th century, the area was developed into the most prosperous dining and trading area in Macao.
Architectural characteristics:
The buildings along Rua and Beco da Felicidade are all two-storey buildings with grey walls, green windows and sloping rooftops. There are shop fronts on the ground floors and on the upper floors residences. This row of Chinese-style housing reflects the architectural style of the mid-19th century.