Nearly five centuries later, in 1999, Macau became part of mainland China once again. Over a millennia later, in 16th century, the rocky island was rented out to Portugal under an official agreement between the two countries. Early documents have found evidence that people have settled in the region during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Macau, also known as Macao, is a Chinese island city with very rich and interesting history. Macau, China – The Gambling Capital of the World