Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) President Deland Leong Wai Man announced yesterday that the government is about to launch a cultural tour aimed at presenting historical knowledge in a lively and engaging way.
Leong made the remarks during a press briefing following a closed-door meeting of the Cultural Development Consultative Council at the Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) in Nape.
The government-appointed committee held its fourth plenary meeting of the year yesterday at the centre, chaired by Leong in her capacity as acting president of the advisory body.
Leong explained that the “Discovering the History of Macao” cultural tourism experience follows a “history + performing arts + cultural and creative” model. It links three historically significant sites: the site of the 1844 signing of the unequal US–China Treaty of Wangxia (also known as the Treaty of Mong Ha) at Kun Iam Temple, the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum, and General Ye Ting’s Former Residence. Through interactive formats such as theatrical guided tours and stamp-collecting activities, historical knowledge will be presented in a lively and engaging manner, she said.
Free shuttle buses will be provided, with pick-up points at Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro near the Ruins of St. Paul’s and at Rua do Cunha in Taipa.
It is planned that the buses will operate every weekend, running two trips on Saturdays and two on Sundays. No prior registration is required, allowing residents and tourists to join at any of the three sites. Leong added that participants who complete the stamp collection across all three sites will receive a souvenir.
Leong noted that the first phase of the initiative will run as a two-month trial with a budget of approximately 1.6 million patacas. Participation in all activities is free of charge. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will adjust the number of sessions and route arrangements based on the effectiveness of the trial.
Committee member Ieng Weng Fat noted that the councillors support the plan, believing it would help promote patriotic education and encourage younger tourists to learn about Macau’s history and culture.
Leong said that the official launch date would be announced in due course, as preparations are currently in full swing. She added that the bureau hopes to revitalise Macau’s historical resources through innovative approaches and fulfil its role in cultural dissemination.
Cultural Development Consultative Council Acting President and Cultural Aasffairs Bureau (IC) President Deland Leong Wai Man (right) and fellow councillor Ieng Weng Fat look on after the government-appointed council’s regular closed-door meeting at the Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
