The 22 government-run museums across the Macao Special Administrative Region observed the International Museum Day on Saturday by offering free admission and holding carnival events, showcasing the colorful coexistence of multiple cultures in the Special Administrative Region.
The theme of this year's International Museum Day, "Museums for Education and Research", highlights the key role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. Around the International Museum Day, many museums in Macao have organized public events at the Mount Fortress Garden, operating themed games and workshops to attract both residents and visitors.
"I visit museums in every city I go to, so the museums here are also my first stop in Macao. After the visit, I am impressed that Macao really is a city where multi-culture and the mainstream Chinese culture coexist harmoniously, making it a unique attraction for tourists. It is a city that I would like to come back to," said Ms. Qian, a visitor.
Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said that the different sizes and themes of the museums in Macao provide the public with diverse cultural and educational experiences.
"Apart from the major museums under the management of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, there are many smaller exhibition halls, each with its own obvious theme. They all have very important functions of public education, which is closely related to the theme of this year's International Museum Day," Leong said.
Macao museums observe International Museum Day with free admission, carnivals
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
