Moments Forever: Macao's Past and Present

This combination photo shows tourists visiting the Ruins of St. Paul's complex in Macao, south China [top, photo by Tang Mengzong, archived on Nov. 11, 1986] and tourists visiting the same place on Oct. 8, 2019 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

Since Dec. 20, 1999, the historic day for Macao, what has changed? And what remains unchanged? Our selection of photos presents comparative illustrations of Macao's past and present.

BEIJING, Dec. 14, 2019 (Xinhua) — Over the past two decades, the special administrative region has made great strides in economic development and achieved prosperity and stability under the "one country, two systems" principle.

On Dec. 20, Macao will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland.

This combination photo shows an aerial view of the Macao Peninsula in south China [top, photo by Bi Yuenian, issued on Aug. 15, 1992] and an aerial view of Macao, south China on Nov. 18, 2019 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

This combination photo shows an older image of the A-Ma Temple, a temple honoring the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu [top, photo by Bi Yuenian, issued on Aug.15, 1992], and the same religious complex in Macao, south China on April 2, 2019 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

This combination photo shows a view of the Ponte de Amizade (Bridge of Friendship) in Macao, south China [top, photo by Tang Mengzong, archived on Dec. 31, 1995] and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge seen from Macao, south China on Oct. 22, 2018 [bottom, photo by Yin Bogu].

This combination photo shows the construction site of Macao International Airport [top, photo by Bi Yuenian, archived on Sept. 6, 1993] and people visiting the 2019 Macao Business Aviation Exhibition at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China on Nov. 1, 2019 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

This combination photo shows tourists visiting the Colina da Guia in Macao, south China on Oct. 18, 1999 [top, photo by Wang Yuguo] and on Dec. 17, 2014 [bottom, photo by Lui Siu Wai], respectively.

This combination photo shows a view of Rua das Estalagens, one of the earliest streets in Macao [top, photo by Tang Mengzong, issued on Aug. 26, 1986], and a street view of Macao, south China on Sept. 27, 2019 [bottom, photo by Qin Qing].

This combination photo shows children attending a class at a kindergarten in Macao, south China [top, file photo, archived on Feb. 28, 1995] and students of Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School posing for photo with Olympic world champions Li Xiaopeng, Liu Shiwen and Wang Xin in Macao, south China on Dec. 8, 2018 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

This combination photo shows people using telephone booths in Macao [top, photo by Bi Yuenian, archived on Sept. 2, 1994] and a local resident recording videos of a light installation show with a smartphone in Macao, south China on Feb. 12, 2016 [bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka].

(Source: Xinhua)