Macao stages light festival to celebrate upcoming 25th anniversary of return to motherland

Macao unveiled a spectacular illumination festival on Saturday in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of the region's return to the motherland, which falls on December 20.

Organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office, the "Light Up Macao 2024" illumination festival showcases the special administrative region's vibrancy and charm through a diverse array of lighting installations and themed light show, while aiming to promote the region's community tourism and night economy. Themed "Symphony of Time and Space," the festival seamlessly blends urban culture with modern technology, creating a spectacular visual feast for both locals and visitors.

A prominent installation in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior symbolizes Macao's growth and prosperity since its return the motherland. At the Macao Science Center, a captivating light show titled "Innovation Era" reflects the region's multicultural heritage and expresses hopes and aspirations for its future.

"This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. The country has provided us with tremendous support, especially in tourism development. Through this grand year-end light festival, we want to express our gratitude to the country, and hope that Macao, like our illumination activities, will shine brightly and continue to prosper in the future," said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office.

The event will run until Feb 28, 2025, with the colorful light installations and light sculptures attracting Macao residents and tourists to explore the various districts and experience the vibrant night economy.

"I think it's very nice [as] implemented in the area. I really like the colors and I like the atmosphere very much," said Charlotte Gerraz, a Belgian tourist.

A local resident surnamed Yuen expressed delight in this year's light show.

"This year's performance is even more spectacular. There's also an interactive lighting installation, which is very creative and great. We all love Macao and welcome everyone to visit Macao. We hope Macao will become more and more prosperous, just like our motherland," she said.

Macao stages light festival to celebrate upcoming 25th anniversary of return to motherland

Heavy rains prompted several regions across China to activate emergency responses on Sunday, with warnings of possible disasters caused by days of intense rains in some areas.

The meteorological service of Nanning City, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, issued an orange lightning warning on Sunday morning.

It warned that most urban areas of Nanning will be affected by thunderstorm and some parts of the city will see heavy precipitation and strong winds.

The lightning warning was followed by another yellow warning for rainstorm, with most parts of Nanning to see heavy rains of 20 to 40 millimeters.

In some areas, precipitation will exceed 50 millimeters and will also be accompanied by thunder and gusty winds.

The central province of Hubei activated a Level III emergency response for major meteorological disasters on Sunday morning.

Local meteorological service estimated that from Sunday night to Tuesday, the province will see heavy to torrential rains and some regions will experience downpours accompanied by severe convective weather.

Local authorities said the public should stay alert to secondary disasters triggered by persistent heavy rains.

Rains hit north China's Tianjin Municipality on Saturday night.

The rainfall intensified significantly on Sunday morning and the rainy weather is projected to last until Monday.

Heavy rains prompt emergency responses in several regions