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

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday stressed the importance of improving the conduct of officials, building integrity and combating corruption in government work, which will provide a strong guarantee to achieve the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance.

Addressing the meeting, Li called for higher standards and more practical measures in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, with the aim of ensuring relevant efforts are implemented across all aspects and processes of government work.

He also called for a more resolute, vigorous approach to implementing the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements, as well as efforts to ensure officials have the correct understanding of what it means to perform well.

Moreover, Li called for further work to combat pointless formality and reduce the burden on primary-level officials, and to strengthen audit-based and accounting oversight to ensure the secure, efficient use of public funds and assets.

He also emphasized the need to deal with corruption issues in key areas seriously, as well as those that occur at people's doorsteps.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attended the meeting.

Chinese premier urges integrity, anti-corruption efforts in government work