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

China's domestically produced large passenger aircraft, the C919, has begun flying a new route linking Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, with Wenzhou, a major economic city in east China's Zhejiang Province, according to the route's operator, China Southern Airlines. Monday's launch of the Guangzhou–Wenzhou service marks the regular deployment of the C919 on passenger flights between the two cities. China Southern Airlines plans to operate two round-trip flights daily on the route.

The C919 is a narrow-body passenger jet with a maximum capacity of 192 seats. It is China's first self-developed trunk jetliner, built to international airworthiness standards and featuring independently registered intellectual property rights.

China Southern Airlines, the country's largest carrier, has taken delivery of 10 C919 aircraft. As of Monday, its C919 fleet had operated more than 8,300 flights, carrying over 1.13 million passengers and serving 21 destinations.

China's homegrown C919 aircraft launches new domestic air route