- ‘Macau Unlocked: A Journey of Discovery for Hong Kong Students’ was organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office in collaboration with the South China Morning Post
- Themed ‘A cultural journey through time: exploring Macau’s historical evolution,’ this immersive tour offered an opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture
Ang Jin, Chief Growth Officer at the South China Morning Post, and Betty Fok, Head of the Destination Marketing Department, conclude the Macau tour with students at the Macao Grand Prix Museum, wrapping up the incredible experience. Photo: HandoutSeveral Hong Kong students recently had the opportunity to learn more about Macau on a tour. The tour, held on February 3, provided an immersive exploration of Macau’s cultural treasures, leaving students with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of this enchanting city.
Organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office in collaboration with the South China Morning Post, the theme of the experience was “A cultural journey through time: exploring Macau’s historical evolution.” This immersive tour offered young people from Hong Kong a unique opportunity to explore Macau’s rich history, vibrant culture, and sustainable practices.
If you could choose one dish from Macau to showcase to the world, which would it be, and why?
One highlight was the visit to the Macao Tea Culture House, where students had the chance to learn about the significance of tea in Chinese history and the practices and rituals associated with tea appreciation. Participant Wong Yi-lam emphasised the importance of witnessing the sites in person, stating, “Being at the actual spot allows you to encounter different people and experience their reactions. It’s important to go on the tour and see it [in person] because if you just rely on websites, you only get general information.”
At the Macao Tea Culture House, the tour also featured a start-up called Chazence, which introduced its innovative project to address the increasing waste generated by the tea industry. With the rise of tea culture and the subsequent surge in tea leaf waste, proper disposal becomes crucial to avoid severe environmental pollution.
Chazence recognises this challenge and seeks to make a positive impact by transforming tea residue into recycled and sustainable materials. Their mission is to utilise the cultural significance of tea as a raw material and actively incorporate it into various products, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials. Through their efforts, Chazence contributes to the rise of tea culture while promoting environmental sustainability and responsible consumption.
The Ruins of St Paul’s, a Unesco World Heritage site, provided a glimpse into Macau’s glorious past and sparked curiosity about its historical evolution. The intricate stone carvings and architectural gems left the students in awe and inspired them to delve deeper into Macau’s history. Brandon Chung Lee-tsz, another student on the tour, expressed his surprise at Macau’s cultural and historical value, saying, “I originally thought Macau was primarily a tourist and hotel destination, but I was impressed by how it fully utilised its cultural and historical heritage.”
The tour concluded with a visit to the Macao Grand Prix Museum, where students explored the city’s sports culture and learned about the history and significance of the Macau Grand Prix, one of Asia’s most prestigious motorsport events. This final stop highlighted the fusion of tradition and the dynamic nature of Macau’s cultural landscape.
The tour also shed light on Macau’s sustainable practices and cultural preservation. Students discovered how food plays a vital role in carrying forward Chinese culture. Brandon observed that the fusion in Macau’s food culture showcased the city’s commitment to preserving its environment and traditions, saying, “The fusion and coexistence in the food culture, such as codfish balls and minced meat, showcases the unique charm of Macau.”
“Macau Unlocked” provided an educational and deeply appreciative experience of Macau’s history, culture, and sustainability. The memories and insights gained from this journey will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the young minds involved.
As Yi-Lam expressed, “Although Macau may appear small, we can focus on its creativity and cultural heritage, and it has a significant influence. I am glad to have witnessed the different parts of its history and experienced the beauty and charm of Macau. This journey will always hold a special place in our hearts.”