{"id":8886,"date":"2024-12-20T12:47:33","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T04:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/?p=8886"},"modified":"2024-12-20T13:00:23","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T05:00:23","slug":"25-years25-at-25-milestones-in-the-history-of-the-macao-sar25-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/?p=8886","title":{"rendered":"25 years25 at 25: Milestones in the history of the Macao SAR25 years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What a 25 years it\u2019s been. Since the ending of Portuguese administration in 1999, and the establishment of Macao as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the city has come into its own. From the liberalisation of its casino market and the creation of the Cotai Strip, to the completion of major infrastructure and Macao\u2019s emergence as an entertainment hub, it\u2019s been a rollercoaster ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"815\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/\u4f01\u4e1a\u5fae\u4fe1\u622a\u56fe_20241220125252-815x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/\u4f01\u4e1a\u5fae\u4fe1\u622a\u56fe_20241220125252-815x1024.png 815w, https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/\u4f01\u4e1a\u5fae\u4fe1\u622a\u56fe_20241220125252-239x300.png 239w, https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/\u4f01\u4e1a\u5fae\u4fe1\u622a\u56fe_20241220125252-768x965.png 768w, https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/\u4f01\u4e1a\u5fae\u4fe1\u622a\u56fe_20241220125252.png 1078w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 815px) 100vw, 815px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some milestones that have stood out in the past quarter century. This doesn\u2019t claim to be the definitive list, but these are some of the things that stand out in the memory and show what a long way we\u2019ve come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-macau-tower-reaches-completion-2001\">1.&nbsp;<strong>Macau Tower reaches completion<\/strong>&nbsp;(2001)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/01-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Macau Tower reaches completion\" class=\"wp-image-88354\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing at 338 meters, the ultra modern\u00a0Macau Tower\u00a0quickly became one of Macao\u2019s most recognisable landmarks \u2013 a favourite of tourist snaps alongside\u00a0the Ruins of St. Paul\u2019s or the Guia Lighthouse. Although the famous bungy jump was not introduced until 2006, the tower\u2019s two observation decks, with their stunning 360-degree views of the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane, were an instant hit with locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-macao-liberalises-its-casino-market-2002\">2.&nbsp;<strong>Macao liberalises its casino market<\/strong>&nbsp;(2002)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/02-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2002: Macao liberalises its casino market\" class=\"wp-image-88355\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2002, the Macao government\u00a0opened up\u00a0Macao\u2019s gambling industry, bringing international participation in the sector and a boon to the entire economy. Provisional casino concessions were granted to SJM, Wynn Resorts, and Galaxy Casino, followed by sub-concessions to the Venetian Group, MGM Grand Paradise and Melco PBL Gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-mainland-residents-begin-travelling-to-macao-on-individual-permits-2003\">3.&nbsp;<strong>Mainland residents begin travelling to Macao on individual permits<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2003<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/03-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2003: Mainland residents being travelling to Macao on individual permits\" class=\"wp-image-88356\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In June 2003, the central government announced that residents of\u00a0four Guangdong cities\u00a0\u2013 Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Foshan \u2013 could visit Hong Kong and Macao as individual tourists with simplified visas. Despite the SARS outbreak, Macao\u2019s tourism industry saw a record\u00a011.88 million\u00a0visitors that year, a 3 percent increase from 2002.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-the-inauguration-of-the-sai-van-bridge-2004\">4.&nbsp;<strong>The inauguration of the Sai Van<\/strong>&nbsp;Bridge (<strong>2004<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/04-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2004: The inauguration of the Ponte de Sai Van\" class=\"wp-image-88357\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sai Van Bridge\u00a0is the third bridge connecting the Macao Peninsula and Taipa. Construction began in October 2002, and it was inaugurated on 19 December 2004, by then Chinese President Hu Jintao, with official operations starting on 9 January 2005. The six-lane bridge spans approximately 2,200 meters in length and 28 meters in width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-historic-centre-of-macao-inscribed-on-the-unesco-world-heritage-list-2005\">5.&nbsp;<strong>Historic Centre of Macao inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2005<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/05-Macao-25-Years-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"Historic Centre of Macao inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (2005)\" class=\"wp-image-88528\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a022 key buildings and public spaces\u00a0that make up the \u201cHistoric Centre of Macao\u201d were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List on 15 July 2005 as China\u2019s 31st World Heritage site. The area includes the Ruins of St. Paul\u2019s, Senado Square, Na Tcha Temple, the Old City Walls and Mandarin\u2019s House, among other famous structures, showcasing a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural, architectural, and religious influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-the-venetian-opens-as-the-world-s-biggest-casino-and-puts-cotai-on-the-map-2007\">6.&nbsp;<strong>The Venetian opens as the world\u2019s biggest casino and puts Cotai on the map<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2007<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/06_Macao-25-Years-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"The Venetian opens as the world\u2019s biggest casino and puts Cotai on the map (2007)\" class=\"wp-image-88514\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t the first casino-hotel in Cotai (that distinction belongs to the\u00a0Grand Waldo, which opened in 2006) but the Venetian truly kickstarted the Strip when it opened in August 2007. The world\u2019s\u00a0largest casino resort\u00a0was the fruit of US$2.4 billion investment and featured the world\u2019s largest gaming floor, spanning 50,000 square metres, with 3,400 slot machines and over 800 gambling tables. The resort also included 3,000 hotel rooms, a 15,000-seat arena, 350 retail stores, 108,000 sq m of convention space, fine dining options, and a Cirque du Soleil show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-the-grand-lisboa-opens-its-doors-nbsp-2007\">7.<strong>&nbsp;The Grand Lisboa opens its doors&nbsp;<\/strong>(<strong>2007<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/07-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2007: The Grand Lisboa opens its doors\" class=\"wp-image-88364\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Macao\u2019s skyline received a striking new addition when the\u00a0Grand Lisboa, owned by SJM Resorts, opened its casino in February 2007 (the hotel rooms came later). The 260-meter-tall architectural icon is said to be inspired by Macao\u2019s official flower, the lotus, although some say it was based on the plume of a\u00a0Brazilian dancer\u2019s headdress. The hotel, which eventually opened in December 2008, features over 400 luxurious rooms and houses the world\u2019s largest cushion-shaped diamond, a flawless 218.08-carat D-colour gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-macao-emerges-as-the-gambling-capital-of-the-world-nbsp-2007\">8.&nbsp;<strong>Macao emerges as the gambling capital of the world&nbsp;<\/strong>(<strong>2007<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/06-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2007: The Venetian opens as the world\u2019s biggest casino and puts Cotai on the map\" class=\"wp-image-88363\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening of Macao\u2019s casino market quickly paid huge dividends, with gambling revenues in the four years since liberalisation\u00a0surpassing those of the Las Vegas Strip\u00a0over the same period. From 2002 to 2006 gambling revenues in Macao surged 23 percent to US$7 billion, surpassing the Strip\u2019s US$6.69 billion revenue. The data was released in August 2007, solidifying Macao\u2019s new status as the world\u2019s gambling capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-the-torch-for-the-beijing-olympics-arrives-in-macao-nbsp-2008\">9.&nbsp;<strong>The torch for the Beijing Olympics arrives in Macao&nbsp;<\/strong>(<strong>2008<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/09-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2008: The torch for the Beijing Olympics arrives in Macao\" class=\"wp-image-88366\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In May, three months before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, the Olympic torch\u00a0arrived in Macao. A total of 120 torchbearers participated in the 27-kilometer relay, with casino magnate Stanley Ho joining local athletes, Macao government officials and Legislative Assembly members. The torch route wound past iconic landmarks, including A-Ma Temple, the Government Headquarters, Senado Square, and the Ruins of St. Paul\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-macao-appears-on-the-michelin-map-2009\">10.&nbsp;<strong>Macao appears on the Michelin map<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2009<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/10_Macao-25-Years-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"Macao appears on the Michelin map (2009)\" class=\"wp-image-88515\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>iMichelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2009\u00a0s launched as the first survey of the SARs by the famous food rating organisation \u2013 and the second in Asia after Tokyo. The more than 300-page publication features a total of 251 restaurants in the two cities, 33 of which are in Macao, with Robuchon a Galera (now Robuchon au D\u00f4me) the first local restaurant to win the coveted three stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-edoardo-mortara-becomes-the-first-racer-to-win-back-to-back-f3-championships-at-the-macau-grand-prix-2010\">11.&nbsp;<strong>Edoardo Mortara becomes the first racer to win back-to-back F3 championships at the Macau Grand Prix<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2010<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/11-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2010: Edoardo Mortara becomes the first racer to win back-to-back F3 championships at the Macau Grand Prix\" class=\"wp-image-88371\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After making his Macao debut in 2007, Italy\u2019s Edoardo Mortara returned the following year to finish as runner-up in the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix. In 2009, he secured victory but was determined to win two FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup titles. In 2010, he returned once again and crossed the finish line, making history as\u00a0the first driver\u00a0to win the Macau Grand Prix twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-the-rolling-stones-play-macao-2014\">12.&nbsp;<strong>The Rolling Stones play Macao<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2014<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/12_Macao-25-Years-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"The Rolling Stones play Macao (2014)\" class=\"wp-image-88516\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of rock music\u2019s most iconic bands, the Rolling Stones, put Macao on the music map with a performance at the Venetian as part of the&nbsp;<em>14 On Fire<\/em>&nbsp;tour that started in Asia before heading to Europe and Australia. The stage design featured the band\u2019s iconic lapping tongue logo, and the band delighted the crowd with hit after hit from its extensive back catalog. As one local journalist wrote: \u201cFor classic Rock fans in Macao and Hong Kong, it doesn\u2019t get better than this.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-madonna-brings-her-rebel-heart-tour-to-macao-2016\">13.<strong>&nbsp;Madonna brings her&nbsp;<em>Rebel Heart<\/em>&nbsp;tour to Macao<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2016<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/13-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2016: Madonna brings her Rebel Heart tour to Macao\" class=\"wp-image-88373\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Queen of Pop made her\u00a0debut performance in Macao\u00a0as part of her global \u201cRebel Heart Tour,\u201d captivating a packed audience at the 5,000-seat Studio City Event Center. During the show, Madonna thrilled fans with some of her greatest hits, including \u201cLike a Virgin,\u201d \u201cMaterial Girl,\u201d and more. She concluded the concert in Cotai wrapped in a Macao flag \u2013 a memorable moment for local music fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-sisterhood-becomes-an-lgbt-landmark-2016\">14.<strong>&nbsp;<em>Sisterhood&nbsp;<\/em>becomes an LGBT landmark<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2016<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Tracy-Choi-Macao-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"2016: Sisterhood becomes an LGBT landmark\" class=\"wp-image-88509\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Macao director Tracy Choi premieres her first feature film,\u00a0Sisterhood, which centres around the theme of discrimination against the LGBT community. The movie stars\u00a0Gigi Leung, Fish Liew and Jennifer Yu and is set on the eve\u00a0of the 1999 handover and tells the story of two women working at a massage parlour. The movie has screened at several international film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-15-the-first-sands-macao-fashion-week-is-held-2017\">15.&nbsp;<strong>The first Sands Macao Fashion Week is held<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2017<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/15_Macao-25-Years-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"The first Sands Macao Fashion Week is held (2017)\" class=\"wp-image-88517\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sands Resorts Macao launched its first annual\u00a0Sands Macao Fashion Week\u00a0in October 2017, featuring six days of spectacular fashion programmes and promotions. While international label La Perla took advantage of the event to debut its Spring\/Summer 2018 collection, the fashion week showcased Macao\u2019s burgeoning fashion industry and highlighted local designers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-16-macao-is-designated-a-unesco-city-of-gastronomy-2017\">16.&nbsp;<strong>Macao is designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2017<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2017: Macao is designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy\" class=\"wp-image-88377\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Macao\u00a0became the third city in China, following Chengdu and Shunde, to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy. The designation opens up new opportunities to promote Macao\u2019s unique culinary culture and foster a sustainable tourism industry as the city aims to establish itself as a global hub for tourism and leisure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-leptanilla-macauensis-macao-little-ant-is-discovered-by-a-local-scientist-2018\">17.&nbsp;<strong><em>Leptanilla macauensis<\/em>&nbsp;(Macao Little Ant) is discovered by a local scientist<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2018<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/17_Leptanilla_Macauenis-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"Leptanilla macauensis (Macao Little Ant) is discovered by a local scientist (2018)\" class=\"wp-image-88507\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Danny Leong, a young researcher from Macao, discovers a new ant species in samples collected at Ilha Verde, and calls it\u00a0Leptanilla macauensis, or \u201cMacao Little Ant.\u201d No more than a millimetre long, the Macao Little Ant features a small, hook-like spine, distinguishing it from other Leptanilla species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-18-the-hong-kong-zhuhai-macao-bridge-officially-opens-2018\">18.&nbsp;<strong>The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge officially opens<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2018<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/18-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2018: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge officially opens\" class=\"wp-image-88379\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking nearly a decade to construct,\u00a0the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge\u00a0opens in October 2018. A bridge-tunnel system that connects Hong Kong and Zhuhai with Macao, it is the longest sea crossing in the world, with a total length of 55 kilometers. The bridge reduces travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai or Macao from three hours to just 45 minutes and quickly becomes a popular alternative to the slower Macao-Hong Kong ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-19-suncity-ceo-alvin-chau-arrested-2021\">19.<strong>&nbsp;Suncity CEO Alvin Chau arrested<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2021<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/19-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2021: Suncity CEO Alvin Chau arrested\" class=\"wp-image-88380\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In November, Macao\u2019s Judiciary Police transfer 11 people \u2013 including Macao\u2019s best-known junket mogul, Alvin Chau \u2013 to the Public Prosecutions Office for alleged membership of a criminal organisation, illegal gambling operations and money laundering. The 11 suspects are taken in two police vehicles immediately after a brief police press conference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-20-macao-lifts-travel-restrictions-after-the-covid-19-pandemic-2023\">20.&nbsp;<strong>Macao lifts travel restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2023<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/20-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2023: Macao lifts travel restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic\" class=\"wp-image-88381\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism slowly returns to normal from 8 January \u2013 the date when Hong Kong and Taiwan visitors no longer need to take a Covid test before entering Macao, unless their onward journey takes them to mainland China within the next seven days. International visitors are also welcomed, but they still need to take a test within 48 hours of boarding their plane or boat to Macao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-21-li-yi-wins-gold-at-the-asian-games-nbsp-2023\">21.&nbsp;<strong>Li Yi wins gold at the Asian Games&nbsp;<\/strong>(<strong>2023<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/21-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2023: Li Yi wins gold at the Asian Games\" class=\"wp-image-88384\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Held in Hangzhou in September, the games saw 31-year-old\u00a0Li Yi\u00a0coming in\u00a0top place\u00a0in the competition for women\u2019s\u00a0changquan\u00a0\u2013 a form of the Chinese performative martial art known as wushu. She scored 9.786, edging out Hong Kong\u2019s Liu Xuxu by just 0.03 points. Li says the gold medal is the highlight of a career that has seen her earn two previous silver medals and two world championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-22-the-lrt-s-taipa-barra-extension-opens-2023\">22.&nbsp;<strong>The LRT\u2019s Taipa-Barra extension opens<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2023<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/22-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2023: The LRT\u2019s Taipa-Barra extension opens\" class=\"wp-image-88385\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In December, the Taipa-Barra extension\u00a0becomes operational, connecting the Taipa Line of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) network to Barra on the Macao Peninsula. The 3.4-kilometre extension features an enclosed track that runs beneath the Sai Van Bridge and takes about four minutes to make the journey. It is the first time that Taipa and the peninsula have been connected by train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-23-macao-becomes-the-five-star-hotel-capital-of-the-world-2023\">23.&nbsp;<strong>Macao becomes the five-star hotel capital of the world<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2023<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Macao-25-Years-23-1024x583.jpg\" alt=\"Macao becomes the five-star hotel capital of the world (2023)\" class=\"wp-image-88505\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first time, Macao surpasses London, a four-time winner, to become the city with the\u00a0most five-star hotels\u00a0according to the\u00a0Forbes Travel Guide. With 22 five-star properties and the highest number of new additions, Macao\u2019s notable hotels include Galaxy Hotel, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, the Karl Lagerfeld, Londoner Court, and Londoner Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-24-netflix-movie-ballad-of-a-small-player-begins-filming-in-macao-2024\">24.&nbsp;<strong>Netflix movie&nbsp;<em>Ballad of a Small Player<\/em>&nbsp;begins filming in Macao<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2024<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Edward-Berger-01-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\u2018The Ballad of a Small Player\u2019: Oscar winner Edward Berger talks exclusively to Macao News\" class=\"wp-image-84243\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ballad of a Small Player, a Netflix film,\u00a0begins location shooting\u00a0in Macao\u2019s casinos in August. Based on the book of the same name by Lawrence Osborne, the movie stars Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a con man turned compulsive gambler who seeks refuge in Macao. The cast also features Tilda Swinton and Fala Chen. Notable filming locations include the Londoner Macao and other hotels in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-25-the-macao-bridge-opens-2024\">25.&nbsp;<strong>The Macao Bridge opens<\/strong>&nbsp;(<strong>2024<\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/macaonews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/25-Macao-25-Years-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"2024: The Macao Bridge opens\" class=\"wp-image-88388\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0Macao Bridge\u00a0officially opens on China National Day, marking the completion of over four and a half years of construction. This new 3.1-kilometer, eight-lane bridge is the fourth to connect the Macao Peninsula to Taipa and has been built at the cost of 5.27 billion patacas (US$653.92 million).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What a 25 years it\u2019s been. Since the ending of Portuguese administration in 1999, and the establishment of Macao as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the city has come into its own. From the liberalisation of its casino market and the creation of the Cotai Strip, to the completion of major infrastructure and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[1152],"class_list":["post-8886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","tag-years"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>25 years25 at 25: Milestones in the history of the Macao SAR25 years - LISTEN WORLD<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tingchao.xyz\/?p=8886\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"25 years25 at 25: Milestones in the history of the Macao SAR25 years - LISTEN WORLD\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What a 25 years it\u2019s been. 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