As the whole country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China with various events, many are reflecting on the changes that have unfolded in their daily life over the past decades.
A young girl who benefited from the government's education aid program said thanks to all those practical and targeted measures, her hometown is taking on a brand-new look.
"The polices on rural revitalization, poverty alleviation, teaching, agriculture, medical service and the Go West program have all make education in Xinjiang better. Take myself as an example. I benefited from the teaching service program. In addition, we are now living in new homes. All these policies have tangibly improved my life and the happiness index is steadily rising," said Wang Can, a tourist from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, who visited Beijing during the National Day holiday.
As the life quality ascends steadily for the people of China, a growing number of people now revel in the newfound ease of traversing the country's diverse landscapes. What was once an inconceivable notion in bygone eras has become a tangible reality.
"Before I used to doubt whether I would have the opportunity and the money to travel when I saw beautiful scenery on TV. Now it is easy for us to travel to everywhere. We can even drive ourselves, more convenient," said Yang Guang, a tourist.
China's unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and ecological conservation has borne fruit, with once barren lands now blossoming into vibrant gardens.
"The most noticeable change for me is the transformation of the whole Erenhot City. When I was young, it seemed barren, with sand everywhere. But now, stepping outside, lush greenery and colorful flowers line the streets. This change, to me, is the most striking," said Yue Lin, a local resident.
The changes go beyond that. Many folks happily share how modern tech in their daily life has brought them the fun perks of innovation.
"Before it wasn't as convenient for us to go out. Now, it's truly easy with smart phones and navigation. We are enjoying the fruits of modern civilization. Back then, going out was like stumbling in the dark, quite troublesome. This feeling is particularly profound," said Zhang Jun, a traveler.
The upgraded infrastructure is another key aspect that garners widespread praise.
"I recently went on a road trip starting from Shenzhen City, circling through the provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei. I was amazed by China's excellent infrastructure. Even in the most remote villages in Jiangxi, the road conditions are great. It was fascinating to see them harnessing wind power on the mountains, both practical and picturesque," said Zhang Yuguo, a resident in Shenzhen City.
Chinese people share stories of progress in past decades
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition