Macao has made new progress in appropriate economic diversification.
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, which falls on Dec. 20th, national and regional flags fluttered high along Macao’s strees. Over the past 25 years, Macao has transformed into a multifaceted hub, evolving beyond its moniker as the “Las Vegas of the East.” It now seeks to establish itself as a global center for tourism and leisure, while also diversifying into industries such as culture and sport.
Growing in Cultural Appeal
Fang Fan, a resident of Guangzhou, had a clear goal for her recent trip to Macao: to enjoy a front-row seat at a performance by U.S. musical icon Herbie Hancock.
For showgoers like Fang, Macao — just a two-hour drive south of Guangzhou — has emerged as a vibrant destination where star-chasing dreams can come true. With an expanding array of high-quality performances and easier access to tickets compared to mainland metropolises, the city is rapidly growing in cultural appeal.
Modern venues like the Macao Cultural Center have played a pivotal role in hosting performances, while the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has also leveraged its rich cultural heritage. In October 2024, renowned Chinese-American pipa virtuoso Wu Man performed at the Dom Pedro V Theater, the first Western-style theater built in China in 1860.
Major entertainment companies are also recognizing Macao’s potential. On Dec. 7th, the Galaxy Arena hosted the iQIYI Scream Night, a star-studded event celebrating top entertainment achievements. This marked the second consecutive year the leading online entertainment platform chose Macao for its annual extravaganza. According to iQIYI, the event drew hundreds of industry stars, thousands of live spectators, and hundreds of millions of online viewers.
The city’s growing reputation as a cultural hub is evident in its statistics. The SAR’s 2023 Yearbook of Statistics reported over 55,000 public performances and cultural exhibitions held that year, a significant increase from approximately 38,000 in 2013.
Chinese and Western Cultures Meet in Macao
As a historical city where Chinese and Western cultures meet, Macao displays a unique charm that belongs to a culture typical of Southern China, yet with a distinctive European touch.
Since the mid-16th century, Macao has served as a vital bridge that has facilitated the exchange of knowledge between East and West, said Wu Zhiliang, who has spent decades studying the city’s history and culture.
The historic center of Macao, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to one of the earliest and most enduring encounters between China and the West.
This rich cultural synthesis is embodied by landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, whose facade integrates Eastern elements, such as Chinese inscriptions and lion motifs, into its design. Nearby, the Na Tcha Temple — a tribute to the legendary figure Ne Zha, a demon-slaying hero depicted in the 16th-century Chinese classic “Journey to the West” — underscores the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western traditions.
Pedro Miguel Manhao Sou, a local resident whose mother runs a restaurant specializing in Macanese cuisine, recalled his childhood as being filled with a colorful mix of cultures and flavors.
“My grandfather used to run a noodle stall, and after school, we’d pick our favorite side dishes there. In the evenings, we’d enjoy the Macanese dishes my mother cooked at home. This was our life,” he said. “My family celebrates both the Spring Festival and Christmas.”
A Bridge Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries
Products such as Portuguese wines, Brazilian coffee and rice from Mozambique in Southeast Africa can all be found in Macao now. As a vibrant melting pot of Chinese and Portuguese influences, Macao is positioning itself as a key trade hub between China and Portuguese-speaking nations.
Ao Ieong Ka-lok, from the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, said, “Businesspeople need not travel vast distances to Brazil, Angola or Portugal. By visiting Macao, they can learn about the diverse array of products originating from Portuguese-speaking countries.”
He said that, Porthos, the oldest brand of Portuguese sardines, famous for eye-catching bright colors and iconic artwork of the tins and the sardines’ exquisite taste, is the most popular and representative Portuguese import. Nowadays, it adorns the shelves of specialty stores lining the streets of Macao.
“This distinctive canned fish from Portugal has been an integral part of Macao residents’ lives for generations,” said the 30-year-old. “During my childhood, whenever typhoons struck Macao, stocking up on these canned goods was a common practice in our homes.”
Macao, where Chinese and Portuguese are official languages, maintains close ties with Portuguese-speaking countries. About 68 percent of young people are fluent in two out of the three languages — Chinese, Portuguese and English — and 28 percent are proficient in all three, according to data from the SAR.
Last year, the trade volume between China and Portuguese-speaking countries reached $220.9 billion. Macao’s contribution in trade between them lies in providing services such as forums to help support the country’s high-level opening-up and maintain international friendships.
Written by Yetao Gu, additional reporting by Xinhua and China Daily.
If you liked this article why not read: Thriving Macao dispels doubts about “one country, two systems”
