Savor some unforgettable moments from the day of Macao’s return to China
By Globaltimes.cn, Published: 2019-12-03 17:50:33
Thousands of Chinese brave the freezing cold on Beijing's Tiananmen Square waving Chinese and Macao SAR flags to celebrate as fireworks light up the night sky on December 20, 1999, marking the return of Macao to China. Beijing threw a party to celebrate the return of Macao despite chilly temperatures, boosting support among its people for a "full reunification" of China. Photo: VCG
Editor's Note:
December 20 marks the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. With its GDP per capita ranked second in the world in 2017, during the past two decades, Macao’s economy has grown rapidly, and the Special Administration Region has become a platform for the mainland to cooperate with the Portuguese-speaking countries.
Fireworks light up the night sky on December 20, 1999 over a statue of the Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, to celebrate the return of Macao to China. The Portuguese enclave was handed back to China, ending 442 years of Portuguese administration. Photo: VCG 
Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops wave to the people of Macao on December 20, 1999 as a parade of 500 Chinese troops swept across the border into Europe's last and oldest colony in Asia following the handover of Macao from Portuguese to Chinese rule. Photo: VCG 
This file photo taken on December 20, 1999 shows Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops waving to the people of Macao as a parade of 500 Chinese troops sweeps across the border into Macao, ending over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule at midnight. Photo: VCG 
Macao residents burst into loud cheers moments after midnight, December 20, 1999 just after the handover of the former Portuguese enclave to China. Thousands of people packed into the Leal Senado Square to watch the festivities on a multi-screen giant TV display, waving flags and celebrating the event. Photo: VCG 
Macao residents pass the People's Republic of China flag along as they burst into loud cheers moments after midnight, December 20, 1999 just after the handover of the former Portuguese enclave to China. Thousands of people packed into the Leal Senado Square to watch the festivities on a multi-screen giant TV display, waving flags and celebrating the event. Photo: VCG 
Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio (R) speaks at the Macao handover ceremony late December 19, 1999, minutes before the Portuguese colony reverted to Chinese rule. Macao returned to China at midnight, ending over four centuries of Portuguese administration. Photo: VCG 
Macao Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira, followed by an aide de camp, carries a Portuguese flag as he leaves Macao's Government Palace after a flag lowering ceremony December 19, 1999. Rocha left his office for the last time before Portugal formally handed Macao back to China at the end of the day, ending over 400 years of colonial rule. Photo: VCG