Macao: magnetic Chinese hub with multiple charms

MACAO -- Fang Fan, a resident of Guangzhou, had a clear goal for her recent trip to Macao: to enjoy a front-row seat at a performance by US musical icon Herbie Hancock.

For showgoers like Fang, Macao -- just a two-hour drive south of Guangzhou -- has emerged as a vibrant destination where star-chasing dreams can come true. With an expanding array of high-quality performances and easier access to tickets compared to mainland metropolises, the city is rapidly growing in cultural appeal.

As a major trade port under Portuguese occupation for centuries, Macao returned to the motherland, China, on Dec 20, 1999, when the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was established.

Over the past 25 years, Macao has transformed into a multifaceted hub, evolving beyond its moniker as the "Las Vegas of the East." It now seeks to establish itself as a global center for tourism and leisure, while also diversifying into industries such as culture and sport.