This year marks the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China. An exhibition at the Chinese Academy of History in Beijing is showcasing photos of Macao's archways decorated for the National Day. 
 

In 1949, people in Macao spontaneously set up the first archway to welcome the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. From then on until the early 1970s, Macao residents built archways on major streets and near important landmarks for every National Day. 

Through their designs, the archways reflect the achievements of China in various fields such as agriculture, technology, education and culture. Macao residents got to learn about the development of the motherland through these architectural representations. 

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Chan Kai Chon, vice president of Macao's Cultural Affairs Bureau, said the archways were a vivid form of patriotic education and an integral part of Macao's history. 

"Archways are a common means of celebration in the Pearl River Delta. But the National Day decorated archway has lifted this form to a political level. Macao people started to express their love for the motherland since 1949 through these archways. This is Macao's earliest form of patriotic education," said Chan.

A total of 100 historical photos and five National Day decorated archway models are on display. 

By showing these items, the exhibition hopes to share with the audience Macao's history, and more importantly, it's people's feelings towards the mother country. 

"Over the 20 years since Macao's return, the city has witnessed great development in all aspects under 'one country, two systems'. This exhibition fully showcased Macao compatriots' love for their motherland," said Wang Chaoguang, director of the Institute of World History.

The exhibition is hosted by the Institute of World History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Macao Fine Arts Association. It runs until December 11.

(Cover image: Exhibition on National Day decorated archways in Macao, China. /CGTN Photo)