MACAO, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Historic Center of Macao being recognized as a World Heritage site highlighted the openness and inclusiveness of the Chinese culture, reinforcing Macao's historical role as a meeting point between the East and the West, said Wu Zhiliang, president of the Macao Federation of Cultural Circles.
Designated on July 15, 2005, at the 29th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Durban, South Africa, the district embodies over four centuries of maritime history and cultural fusion. It has been Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)'s signature landmark for two decades.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Wu recalled that the journey toward UNESCO recognition began in 2001 and was not without challenges. Defining the historical and cultural significance of the historic center was complex, as its buildings were not considered globally outstanding on their own, he said.
What made the district exceptional, Wu explained, was its collective value. The district's 22 buildings reflected a peaceful coexistence of diverse traditions in a compact urban space.
The successful inscription brought lasting changes to Macao's society and cultural awareness. "Residents began to view their city with renewed appreciation, recognizing the significance of its heritage in shaping their identity," Wu said.
During the interview, Wu described Macao as a city where East and West "not only met but truly merged," which is "evident not just in the cityscape but also in customs, beliefs, and the social atmosphere."
Wu believed that Macao's heritage served not only to establish local identity but also to contribute to the broader narrative of Chinese culture. "It represents the way Chinese culture engages in exchange with Western culture, and some useful elements are then fed back into the cultural source."
He further explained that cultural heritage had become a foundation for sustainable development in Macao. It was a key driver of the tourism and cultural industries, helping define the city's global identity. Visitors were drawn not only to monuments but also to the unique atmosphere of a city where history felt alive, Wu said. ■
