Opened in 2006 in the semi-autonomous casino city, the hotel was known for its opulent "golden pathway", showcasing dozens of one-kilogram bars of gold studded into its entrance hall floor.

The feature had aimed "to create a sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere", the hotel's parent company said in a filing Wednesday.

But with the price of gold leaping in recent months as investors seek safe havens in turbulent geopolitical times, the company said it had recognised "a good opportunity".

The decision to sell the bricks was linked to a revamping of the hotel's facilities, said the company, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited.

In October 2025, the Grand Emperor ceased its gaming operations following a tightening of local rules around casino operations.

In Wednesday's filing the group said the hotel has been actively planning for other entertainment and amusement facilities.

"Given that the relevant area is planned to undergo renovation and redevelopment, the Precious Metal that were originally part of the hotel's interior design and outfits are no longer relevant to the theme of the hotel in the future," the firm said.

The sale of "a number of gold bricks weighing 79 kg in total" for $12.8 million would "strengthen the Group's financial position and enable it to invest should suitable investment opportunities arise", it said.

Other well-known features in the Grand Emperor include an antique gold carriage, which "exhibits the fine craftsmanship of 18th-century Europe", according to the hotel's website.

Macau is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, a fact which saw top the world in terms of gaming revenue again in 2025.

However, the city is now under orders from Beijing to diversify its economy.