Peng Liyuan Urges Macao Students to Embrace Chinese Culture for National Development
Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, made a significant appearance at the Macao Museum where she interacted with local students. During her visit on December 22, 2024, Peng emphasized the importance of studying Chinese history and culture as vital to contributing to the development of their homeland. She expressed her hopes that students would deepen their understanding of Chinese traditions and use this knowledge to enhance Macao's development.
During her tour, Peng admired numerous cultural relics that depict Macao’s rich historical narrative, including its unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture, industries, and cultural life. Engaging with local artisans, she participated in an almond cookie-making session — a testament to Macao's culinary heritage and local craftsmanship. This visit coincides with the 25th anniversary celebrations of Macao's return to China, marking a significant milestone in the region's history.
Over the past quarter-century, Macao has leveraged its cultural and historical richness to promote traditional Chinese culture while enhancing cultural exchanges globally. The region proudly hosts at least twelve intangible cultural heritages recognized by the state, such as Cantonese opera and tea infusion practices. These cultural identifiers serve as a foundation for the ongoing preservation and transmission of Chinese cultural heritage in Macao.
Initiatives like "Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture into the Campus" aim to foster a love for traditional Chinese culture and instill patriotic values among the youth. By facilitating student visits to historical sites, including the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum and the former residence of General Ye Ting, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their cultural roots.
In recent years, the Macao SAR has also actively enhanced cultural exchanges with students from the mainland, establishing strong links that integrate Macao's youth into the broader national development narrative. For instance, in December 2021, approximately 170 students participated in the 'Tiangong class,' a space education program associated with China’s space station, where they had the chance to engage directly with astronauts.
Cultural practice activities initiated since 2005 have mobilized thousands of students from Hong Kong and Macao, encouraging cross-regional collaboration among youth. In 2023, students from both regions visited Xiong'an New Area, where they engaged in discussions about entrepreneurship and employment at the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Youth Innovation Center.
In addition to fostering domestic integration, Macao has strategically utilized its geographic advantages to promote cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Known as one of the first Chinese cities to open up to the world, Macao has become a vibrant hub for cross-cultural interactions.
The establishment of the China-Portugal Joint Laboratory focused on the conservation of cultural heritage is one such initiative that reflects Macao's international collaborative spirit. Supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, this lab aims to connect regional efforts in cultural discourse and technology innovation, effectively telling China’s cultural story while building trust with international partners.
Overall, Peng Liyuan's visit and her calls to Macao's students symbolize a broader commitment to embracing and showcasing the rich tapestry of Chinese culture as a pathway to contributing to national rejuvenation and identity. Through education, cultural preservation, and international dialogue, Macao is poised to play a pivotal role in China’s cultural and developmental landscape.