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Peng Liyuan Encourages Macao Students to Embrace Chinese Culture

On December 20, 2024, Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, visited the Macao Museum where she addressed students and encouraged them to learn more about Chinese culture. During her visit, she emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese history and culture as a foundation for contributing to both regional and national development. She stated, "I hope you learn more about the history of Chinese culture, study it well, and use your knowledge to build a better homeland and enhance Macao's standing."

Admiring Cultural Heritage

Peng's visit was marked by an exploration of significant cultural relics within the museum. She expressed appreciation for the rich history of Macao, which represents a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultural influences. Participants in her visit engaged in a hands-on activity of making almond cookies, a popular local delicacy, while also interacting with skilled artisans specializing in tile painting and wood carving.

This interaction showcased Macao's vibrant cultural scene and the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Such experiences, according to Peng, are essential in instilling a strong appreciation for cultural heritage among the youth.

Supporting National Development

The visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, a milestone that has been celebrated through various initiatives aimed at promoting Chinese traditional culture in the region. Over the past quarter-century, Macao has leveraged its historical and cultural wealth to foster cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Current initiatives, such as the "Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture on Campus" program, aim to instill love and respect for traditional values in younger generations. This includes facilitating student visits to prominent cultural sites like the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum and the historical residence of General Ye Ting.

Macao has become home to 12 national intangible cultural heritage items, including Cantonese opera and various folk arts, which reflect the region's commitment to cultural preservation. In recent years, educational programs have further enhanced cultural exchanges, connecting students in Macao with peers across mainland China, thereby fostering a more cohesive national identity.

The Role of Education in Cultural Exchange

In December 2021, about 170 primary and secondary students from Macao participated in the "Tiangong Class", a unique space education program linked to China’s space station, hosted at the Macao Science Center. These educational opportunities provide students with a direct link to national advancements in technology and science, further integrating them into the greater narrative of national development.

Since 2005, cultural exchange initiatives have brought thousands of youth from Macao and Hong Kong together, highlighting entrepreneurial and employment opportunities in mainland China. These exchanges cultivate a shared understanding of national growth and progress, which is essential for the future generations of both regions.

Macao’s Cultural Exchange Vision

Strategically located on the eastern shores of the Pacific, Macao has historically been one of China’s first cities to open its doors to global influences. Today, it is a bustling hub for cultural interchange between China and the West. The China-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Cultural Heritage Conservation Sciences has emerged as a pivotal institution under the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at preserving cultural legacies while fostering collaborative international research.

As Macao continues to cultivate its unique cultural identity and enhance educational exchanges, it stands at the forefront of not just national development but also of global cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives like the Joint Laboratory, which combines expertise from Portugal and China, Macao is paving the way for a robust cultural narrative that resonates along the Maritime Silk Road.

To learn more about Peng Liyuan's initiative and Macao's cultural programs, visit CGTN.