Macao holds reception to mark 26th anniversary of return to motherland

China

Macao holds reception to mark 26th anniversary of return to motherland

2025-12-20 17:46 Last Updated At：21:07

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a reception on Saturday to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Sam Hou Fai, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR Zheng Xincong, former Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat Seng, and Commissioner of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR Liu Xianfa, together with approximately 1,000 guests, attended the reception.

Speaking at the reception, Sam Hou Fai stated that, under the strong leadership and support of the central government, Macao has achieved great achievements over the past 26 years since its return to the motherland with the great practice of "one country, two systems" principle.

"We deeply realize that the prosperity and strength of the nation is always the greatest source of confidence and strong backing for Macao's long-term prosperity and stability. Macao will follow President Xi Jinping's important instructions, more actively align itself with national development strategies, and well formulate and implement the 'Third Five-Year Plan' of the Macao SAR, to realize the Special Administrative Region's better development in contributing to building China into a great country and on the new journey of advancing national rejuvenation," he said.

Earlier in the morning, around 550 guests attended a flag-raising ceremony held at the Golden Lotus Square to celebrate the anniversary.

China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao on December 20, 1999.

East China county sees arrivals of over 10,000 swans for wintering

As temperatures drop in the north hemisphere, large flocks of swans have migrated from the colder north to Jinxian County of Nanchang City in warmer east China's Jiangxi Province to tide over the winter.

This year, thanks to the improved environment, over 10,000 swans have arrived in the vast stretches of wetlands in the county, according to staff of the local forestry bureau.

These beautiful creatures have attracted many birdwatchers, residents, and visitors eager to capture the scene.

"I have been coming here to photograph birds for 12 consecutive years. Each year, I have different experiences in bird photography. Over recent years, I've felt that the ecological system in Jinxian has improved significantly, and the varieties of migratory birds have also increased. This change is a result of everyone's efforts to protect and love birds. Every time I see a stunning scene, my mood is different," said Fan Zheping, a birdwatcher.

Not far from the site, Nanchang City has built a natural education and science popularization base featuring specimen displays, immersive VR experiences, and 3D video presentations.

"Such an immersive experience is not only particularly novel and interesting, but also deepens our understanding of the importance of protecting migratory bird habitats and safeguarding nature," said Luo Canqi, a local pupil.