The "Grand Emperor" hotel in Macau, Southeast China, announced that it uprooted real gold bars that were decorating the floor of the main lobby's entrance, and sold them for about 13 million dollars, benefiting from the significant increase in gold prices.
The hotel, which opened in 2006, was famous for its luxurious "Golden Pathway" which was adorned with dozens of pure gold bars, each weighing one kilogram.
The owning company, "Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited", stated in its announcement that the purpose of this design was to "create a luxurious and stunning atmosphere".
However, with the unprecedented rise in gold prices in recent months, and as investors look for safe havens amid geopolitical disturbances, the company saw the conversion of gold into cash as a "good investment opportunity".
Bloomberg reported that the company, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, carried out the gold sale the day before yesterday, Wednesday.
Alternatives to Gambling Activities
The local "Macau Business" newspaper in Macau reported that social media activists noticed the disappearance of the gold bars from the hotel entrance at the end of last month, sparking widespread debate about the reason, which prompted the company to clarify that this step was taken as part of hotel renovations.
The newspaper noted that the Golden Pathway was originally created two decades ago as part of the hotel's unique design in the heart of the commercial district of the Macau Peninsula and to promote its activities, especially the casinos it was known for.
But the "Grand Emperor" hotel ceased its gambling operations in October 2025, after Macau tightened laws related to operating casinos, an activity it was famous for, earning it the nickname "Las Vegas of China".
A Different Future Design
The company's statement mentioned that "after ceasing gambling operations, the group is actively planning other entertainment facilities to enhance the overall hospitality experience and expand its revenue base".
The company also stated in its announcement that "since the concerned area is planned for renovation and development, the precious metals that were originally part of the hotel's interior design are no longer suitable for its future character".
It added that selling "a number of gold bars with a total weight of 79 kilograms (worth 12.8 million dollars) will enhance the financial standing of the group and enable it to invest should suitable opportunities arise".
