In our survey, many interviewees reveal an insufficient knowledge of the World Cultural Heritage in Macau. Over 60% of the interviewees are unable to provide a correct answer on when Macau has been classified as a "Historic Centre"; some of them even do not know which properties are classified as World Cultural Heritage. 26% of the interviewees believe that Macau citizens do not have a sense of protecting the Heritage. As a result, it is obvious that citizens' sense of heritage protection needs to be improved. In the survey, interviewees also mention the lack of promotion from the government about the World Cultural Heritage.

Ng admits that although Macau citizens have a stronger sense of belonging, they do not have the sense of protecting and understanding more about the heritage properties, and only those who are enthusiastic pay full attention and protect them. Thus, it is necessary to have more promotion efforts from the government, like some games with awards. However, he criticizes that the Cultural Ambassadors are actually not effective to promote the culture of the heritage properties owing to the lack of critical thinking. Furthermore, the government should arrange funds for promotional projects so as to advance the general knowledge of Macau citizens about the World Cultural Heritage in Macau.

The inscription of "The Historic Centre of Macau" at the 29th Session of the World Heritage Committee in July 2005 made Macau the new World Heritage sites in China, endorsing China to have the third largest number of inscribed World Heritage Sites in the world. Properties such as the Ruins of St. Paul, Na Cha Temple, Guia Lighthouse and A-Ma Temples are categorized as World Cultural Heritage.

The World Heritage Committee makes its selection based on 10 criteria of which six are applied to the cultural heritage monuments, groups of buildings and sites that may be considered part of the World Heritage.

According to the standard of UNESCO, cultural sites that are nominated should represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; or exhibit an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world. It should derive developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning or landscape design. The property may bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; or be an outstanding example of a type of building or architecture or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history. The property should be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement or land use that is representative of a culture, especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. It is also essential to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance (UNESCO).