澳門：中西合璧之城 遊子歸國20年騰飛
在中國東南沿海的珠江三角洲，有一座精美的城市——澳門。澳門雖小，卻有著深厚的歷史積澱；雖然總是與香港相提並論，卻另有自己獨特的城市魅力。
Located on the Pearl River Delta on the southeast coast of China, Macao is a scenic city. Small though it is, Macao has a rich history and cultural heritage. Although it is often grouped together with Hong Kong, Macao has its own quaint charm.
相傳澳門得名于媽祖。16世紀，葡萄牙人從媽閣廟附近登陸，問當地人這裡的地名，因在媽閣廟旁，當地人便回答媽閣，於是澳門便以諧音命名為Macao。
Macao was thought to get its name from A-Ma Temple, a temple to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu. In the 16th century, when the Portuguese landed near the A-Ma Temple and asked the name of the place, the local residents replied Maa-gok or A-maa-gok (literally meaning the Pavilion of the Mother). Hence came the name of Macao.
獨特的歷史讓澳門成為了一座既古典又現代的中西合璧之城。澳門半島上聚集了大三巴、炮臺、玫瑰堂等文化景點；街道上狹窄的石子路、盤根錯節的榕樹、觸手可及的斑駁墻壁、巴洛克式的雕花裝飾，都藏著澳門訴不盡的故事。城市的另一邊則是另外一幅畫面——氹仔島上坐落著一座座奢華的高級酒店，通宵不熄的娛樂場燈光、極其現代的購物商城都在向遊客詮釋著另外一個澳門。
Today, the city is classical and modern at the same time. It is a harmonious combination of Chinese and Western elements. On the peninsula of Macao, one can enjoy cultural attractions such as the Ruins of Saint Paul’s, Mount Fortress, Macao Rose Hall, and etc. It seems you can feel the history on those narrow cobbled streets, old banyans with twisted roots and gnarled branches, mottled walls, and Baroque decorations. But on the other side of the city, on Ilha da Taipa, stand various grand, luxury hotels, brightly lit entertainment centers, and modern shopping malls, telling you the modern story of Macao.
今年正逢新中國成立70週年，澳門回歸祖國20週年。《七子之歌》再度唱響，用深情的旋律講述著澳門與祖國血脈相連不可分割的情感，講述著澳門回歸20年來的萬象更新蓬勃發展。
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. The Song of the Seven Sons is resounding again in the air. It tells the inseparable bond between Macao and its motherland and the city’s tremendous changes and robust development in the past 20 years.
20年，經濟實現跨越式發展。據澳門統計局公佈的數字，本地生產總值從回歸之初的518.7億（澳門元）增加到2018年的4249億元（澳門元）；至2018年底，累計財政盈餘達到5088億元（澳門元），外匯儲備為1636億元（澳門元），較1999年分別增長193倍和6.2倍，大大增強了抵禦外部風險的能力。澳門進入歷史上發展最好最快的時期，成為全球經濟增速最快的地區之一。
Macao has made great strides in economic development. According to the figures released by the Macao Bureau of statistics, its gross domestic product increased from MOP51.87 billion in 1999 to MOP424.9 billion in 2018; by the end of 2018, the accumulated fiscal surplus reached MOP508.8 billion, 193 times higher than that in 1999, and the foreign exchange reserve was MOP163.6 billion, 6.2 times higher than that in 1999. This has greatly enhanced Macao’s ability to resist external risks. Macao has now entered a phase of speedy growth, becoming one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
20年，百姓安居樂業。經濟多年持續的發展，帶來了澳門的高就業率、低失業率和居民收入水準的不斷提高。失業率由1999年的6.4%，降至2018年的1.8%，近年一直維持在這一低水準。
Over the past 20 years, local residents have lived and worked in peace and contentment. The continuous economic development over the years has led to a high employment rate and a spike in income. The unemployment rate dropped from 6.4% in 1999 to 1.8% in 2018 and has since remained at this level.
20年，彰顯多元文化魅力。在澳門，中華文化得到傳承，多元文化得以發展，不只建築中西合璧，還有和諧共存的宗教、族群。隨著時代的發展進步，澳門還形成了絢麗迷人的節慶文化，“盛事之都”“美食之都”等成為新的靚麗名片。作為世界知名旅遊目的地，澳門每年吸引入境旅客近4000萬人次，讓“居之者忘老、寓之者忘歸、遊之者忘倦”。
Macao offers its multicultural charm not only through its architectures blending Chinese and Western elements but also in the harmonious coexistence of religions and ethnic groups. As peace and prosperity reigns, Macao has developed various vibrant festivals, and successfully established its brands as a “City of Events”and a“Creative City of Gastronomy.” As a world-famous tourist destination, Macao attracts nearly 40 million inbound tourists every year. It is said to be a place which helps you forget your age and fatigue and feel reluctant to leave once you’re there.
回歸祖國20年，世界目睹了澳門翻天覆地的變化。今日的澳門，已成為世界旅遊休閒中心、中國與葡語國家商貿合作服務平臺。今後的澳門，會與祖國繼續一同穩步前行。
The past two decades have witnessed great changes in Macao. Now it is a world center of tourism and leisure and a service platform for business cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Looking to the future, Macao will continue to move forward together with its motherland.
