Album zooms in on Macao's fascinating culture

China Daily's latest photo album highlights the intricate creativity of Chinese photographers as they capture Macao's unique culture, with its mixture of Chinese and Western influences.

Ho Hau-wah (center), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Chan Laiwa (left), deputy director of Committee of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Compatriots and Overseas Chinese of the CPPCC and founder of the China Red Sandalwood Museum, and Zhu Ling, CPPCC member and publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, in Macao on Tuesday. In hands of Chan and Zhu is a photo album —One Hundred Photographers Focus on Macao— which will be launched on Wednesday to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the return of Macao to China. The book presents a full picture of Macao. Geng Feifei / China Daily

One Hundred Photographers Focus on Macao, China Daily's latest addition to its Focus series, deepens the understanding of both traditions and presents "a very different Macao, full of delight and vitality and brimming with potential", said Zhu Ling, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily.

China Daily, he added, will promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the Chinese mainland and Macao, and relay Macao's fascinating stories to a global audience.

The album, launched on Wednesday on the 15th anniversary of the return of Macao to Chinese sovereignty, has within its covers about 200 photos, comprehensively reflecting the social and economic progress made since the return in 1999.

Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Chui Sai-on, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Chan Laiwa, deputy director of the Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the CPPCC and chairwoman of Fu Wah International Group; Zhu Ling, CPPCC National Committee member and publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily; and Ho Chiu-King, co-chairperson and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, attended the launch ceremony.

The album, in four parts, offers a kaleidoscope of compelling glimpses into life in Macao.

Located along the west bank of the Pearl River Delta in southern China, Macao was a Portuguese colony from the mid-16th century to 1999, also serving as an important port city for Southeast Asia, ensuring a rich heritage of Chinese and Western culture.

The diverse cultural background, be it in architecture, the people at work and play, the older generations, and leisure activities and celebrations are the four main themes of the album.

The closing images are of people performing drum dances, so sharp and resonant that they adeptly convey the people's confidence in the future.

The Focus series, first launched in 2003, has included major breaking news events, landmark celebrations of sportsmanship as well as precious insights into places such as Taiwan and Macao.

Besides the launch of the album, an exhibition reproducing old Beijing's architecture in red sandalwood sculptures was kicked off in Macao on Wednesday.

The exhibition –MGM MACAU · Red Sandalwood Art Exhibition of Old Beijing City Gates – jointly hosted by China Red Sandalwood Museum and MGM MACAU, showcases models of the Temple of Heaven, a royal Taoist temple where emperors prayed for harvests, and Yongdingmen, also known as the Gate of Everlasting Stability.

The two main pieces were created by the China Red Sandalwood Museum. The exhibition will run until March 22, showing the glories of ancient Beijing and the traditional sandalwood sculpting skills to residents and tourists to Macao.

Ho Chiu-King, co-chairperson and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said MGM continues to bring in diverse art and cultural programs, aiming to connect people through art and culture.

Chi Chongrui, director of Beijing Red Sandalwood Culture Foundation, said the exhibition is the best way to "retain our memories of the old Beijing city as well as to revitalize the traditional Chinese culture".

Zhu agreed that launching the album and sandalwood sculpture exhibition at the same time provides opportunities for people in Macao and global visitors to better appreciate Chinese culture.