IC announces two-month shuttle service for historical discovery tour

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Macau will run a two-month shuttle service from the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Rua do Cunha to local attractions, with historical character performances bringing the “Macau Historical Discovery Tour” to life, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said.

The plan was announced at a post-meeting press conference following this year’s fourth plenary session of the Cultural Development Advisory Committee, chaired by the IC president, Deland Leong.

According to initial plans, the shuttle service will operate on weekends with two morning and two afternoon departures each day, with no prior registration required and all activities will be free of charge. Visitors will also be invited to participate on-site, with an interactive guided tour format featuring historical character performances that portray figures from the relevant historical periods, through whom stories and historical knowledge about the locations will be shared.

Leong said she hoped the activity would enhance residents’ and visitors’ understanding of Macau through a fresh and engaging approach. “We hope to adopt a more lively method of guided tours, rather than the traditional format where a guide introduces exhibits or display boards,” she said.

“There will be character portrayals – possibly recreating some of the citizens or figures from the historical background – through whom we can share historical knowledge or exhibition content related to the setting.”

The initiative aims to break away from conventional models and encourage residents and visitors, particularly younger audiences, to gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage in a more vibrant way.

However, she added that the official launch date of the activity has yet to be confirmed, with preparations currently underway and an announcement to be made to the public in due course. The previously offered priority experience sessions were trial runs, and the official opening to all residents and visitors has not yet been finalized.

The cultural tourism route, which is expected to be launched soon, will connect the site of the signing of the Wangxia Treaty, the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum, and General Ye Ting’s Former Residence. The first phase will run for two months as a trial, with an estimated budget of approximately MOP 1.6 million.