Macao sees remarkable growth in cultural initiatives since its return to China: official

Macao is harnessing its unique fusion of Chinese and Western influences to enhance its identity as a global hub of culture and arts, said Leong Wai Man, director of Macao's Cultural Affairs Bureau.

Residents in the region are reflecting on its recent history and achievements as Macao will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to China on Dec. 20.

In a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Leong said the special administrative region is striving to rediscover and revitalize historical and cultural resources that have been overlooked, making effective use of them to help more people appreciate their significance.

"Since Macao's return to the motherland, we have witnessed remarkable growth in our cultural initiatives and the development of cultural industries. Macao has earned a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognized as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and is listed in the Memory of the World Register. Most recently, Macao was named the 2025 East Asian Cultural City. These honors underscore Macao's ability to gain international recognition through its cultural strengths," said Leong.

These honors underscore Macao's ability to gain international recognition through its cultural strengths, she added.

Leong said the SAR government will continue to tap into the region's unique blend of cultures, which is reflected not only in its architecture but the daily lives and intangible heritage of its residents.

"We are currently working to position Macao as a hub for performing arts. Over the past few decades, we have laid a solid foundation in this area. The central government's designation of Macao as 'One Center, One Platform, One Base' highlights its strategic importance in cultural and international exchanges," said the official.

"One Center, One Platform, One Base" refers to the ideal of Macao being a world center of tourism and leisure, a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist.

Looking ahead, Macao aims to continuously enhance its influence in cultural affairs, Leong said, adding that through international platforms, the SAR will contribute to telling China's story on the global stage.

Macao sees remarkable growth in cultural initiatives since its return to China: official

A panda family of four in Macao has won the hearts of an increasing number of people with their fluffy appearance and adorable behaviors, attracting 290,000 visitors last year.

A pair of giant pandas Kaikai and Xinxin were chosen as a gift of the central government to the Macao Special Administrative Region in 2015. They gave birth to twin brothers Jianjian and Kangkang in Macao in 2016. The panda family is now living a happy and leisured life.

"This is our Kangkang, the younger twin. He's a little smaller in size and has a more pointed face, just like his dad Kaikai. He's also very smart and always gains affection of his breeders by acting in a cutesy manner," said a panda caretaker.

In the panda pavilion, Macao's Seac Pai Van Park, the panda family receives attentive care from their zoo keepers. They enjoy fresh local bamboo, fruit, and high-fiber biscuits every day, with special fruit and bamboo cakes on their birthdays.

"They're actually quite familiar with us. Since they're now adult pandas, we can't interact with them the same way we did when they were younger, like being in the same space. However, we still have regular interactions, such as touching them safely, which they seem to enjoy. Sometimes we clean biscuit crumbs off their mouth or nose. This helps them get used to our voices and smells, building their trust in us, which makes it easier to carry out medical checks for them," said the caretaker.

As the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China draws near, an increasing number of locals are visiting the park to see the panda family, wishing for them to thrive in Macao and bring even more happiness to the people, just as their names suggest.

Giant pandas in Macao capture hearts of visitors

Giant pandas in Macao capture hearts of visitors