Detailed research on long-term changes inUrban form the physical form of the cores of traditional urban areas has hitherto been largely concerned with Western, mainly European, cities. The findings and concepts of M. R. G. ConzenConzen, M. R. G. in England, mainly published in the second half of the twentieth century, have been especially influential. In this paper some of his conclusions about part of the core of Newcastle upon TyneNewcastle upon Tyne, England are examined in relation to findings in the corresponding area of central MacaoMacao, China. MacaoMacao is one of the earliest settlements in Eastern Asia established by Europeans, though primarily influenced over much of its existence by its predominantly Chinese population. Comparisons are made of the two cities in respect of (1) the processes of repletion in and around the market areas; (2) the expansion of commercial functions into adjoining areas; and (3) adaptive and augmentative redevelopmentRedevelopment (including the creation of breakthrough streets). The evidence suggests that a number of Conzen’sConzen, M. R. G. concepts of morphological development formulated in the West are applicable in Eastern Asia. However, in the case of the cities studied, there are marked differences in the timing of developments and outcomes in the urban landscape. Central Newcastle has been heavily reshaped relatively early by the Industrial Revolution and neoclassical planning. In the commercial area of MacaoMacao, colonial planning, local cultureLocal culture, and sea trading have been major influences.