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Peng Liyuan's Call for Cultural Embrace in Macao

On December 21, 2024, Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, visited the Macao Museum, where she encouraged local students to engage deeply with Chinese culture and use that knowledge to contribute to both their region and the nation. This visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, a moment in history that she emphasized as pivotal for understanding the intertwined nature of local and national progress.

Peng expressed her hopes that students would gain a greater appreciation for the rich history of Chinese culture, stating, "I hope that you will learn more about the history of Chinese culture, engage with it thoroughly, and use this knowledge to help build our homeland better and make Macao an even more livable place." This sentiment highlights the importance of cultural education in fostering national identity and pride among the younger generation.

During her tour, Peng admired various cultural monuments within the museum, gaining insights into the historical development of Macao—a region known for its unique blend of Chinese and Western influences in architecture and cultural life. She actively participated in activities such as making almond cookies, a local delicacy, and engaged with artisans skilled in crafts like tile painting and wood carving, reinforcing her commitment to cultural appreciation.

Macao has utilized its historical and cultural wealth over the past 25 years to promote traditional Chinese culture while facilitating cultural exchanges with other countries. It is home to at least 12 national intangible cultural heritages, including Cantonese opera and the brewing of herbal tea, emphasizing the continued preservation and transmission of traditional Chinese culture.

Programs aimed at integrating traditional culture into the education system are making strides in nurturing a sense of patriotism and cultural pride among young people. Initiatives like the "Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture into the Campus" program encourage school visits to significant cultural sites, enhancing the educational experience.

In recent years, Macao has intensified cultural exchanges between its students and those from mainland China, paving the way for better integration of Macao's youth into the broader national context. For instance, around 170 Macao students participated in the "Tiangong Class," a space science educational program linked to the Chinese space station. This interaction provided them with unique opportunities to communicate directly with astronauts, bridging the gap between education and real-world exploration.

Since its establishment in 2005, thousands of young individuals from the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao have engaged in practical cultural activities. In 2023, students from these regions visited the Xiong'an New Area, engaging in deep discussions on entrepreneurship and employment at the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Youth Innovation Center.

Macao also strategically employs its geographical advantages to foster cultural exchanges between China and other nations. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and historical role as an early doorway for foreign interactions, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue between China and the West.

The China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, symbolizes this integration, receiving funding in 2020 to promote technological innovation. This lab, a collaborative effort between the City University of Macao and the University of Évora in Portugal, aims to serve as a bridge for cultural representation and heritage preservation along the maritime Silk Road.

As Macao continues to blend its rich historical backdrop with modernity, initiatives to embrace Chinese culture among the youth are vital in ensuring that these traditions are not only preserved but flourished, paving the way for a culturally rich future that honors its heritage while looking towards national aspirations.