澳门：中西合璧之城 游子归国20年腾飞
（以下所有数据来源于新华社）
在中国东南沿海的珠江三角洲，有一座精美的城市——澳门。澳门虽小，却有着深厚的历史积淀；虽然总是与香港相提并论，却另有自己独特的城市魅力。
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.
相传澳门得名于妈祖。16世纪，葡萄牙人从妈阁庙附近登陆，问当地人这里的地名，因在妈阁庙旁，当地人便回答妈阁，于是澳门便以谐音命名为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.
独特的历史让澳门成为了一座既古典又现代的中西合璧之城。澳门半岛上聚集了大三巴、炮台、玫瑰堂等文化景点；街道上狭窄的石子路、盘根错节的榕树、触手可及的斑驳墙壁、巴洛克式的雕花装饰，都藏着澳门诉不尽的故事。城市的另一边则是另外一幅画面——氹仔岛上坐落着一座座奢华的高级酒店，通宵不熄的娱乐场灯光、极其现代的购物商城都在向游客诠释着另外一个澳门。
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.
今年正逢新中国成立70周年，澳门回归祖国20周年。《七子之歌》再度唱响，用深情的旋律讲述着澳门与祖国血脉相连不可分割的情感，讲述着澳门回归20年来的万象更新蓬勃发展。
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，经济实现跨越式发展。据澳门统计局公布的数字，本地生产总值从回归之初的518.7亿（澳门元）增加到2018年的4249亿元（澳门元）；至2018年底，累计财政盈余达到5088亿元（澳门元），外汇储备为1636亿元（澳门元），较1999年分别增长193倍和6.2倍，大大增强了抵御外部风险的能力。澳门进入历史上发展最好最快的时期，成为全球经济增速最快的地区之一。
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，百姓安居乐业。经济多年持续的发展，带来了澳门的高就业率、低失业率和居民收入水平的不断提高。失业率由1999年的6.4%，降至2018年的1.8%，近年一直维持在这一低水平。
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，彰显多元文化魅力。在澳门，中华文化得到传承，多元文化得以发展，不只建筑中西合璧，还有和谐共存的宗教、族群。随着时代的发展进步，澳门还形成了绚丽迷人的节庆文化，“盛事之都”“美食之都”等成为新的靓丽名片。作为世界知名旅游目的地，澳门每年吸引入境旅客近4000万人次，让“居之者忘老、寓之者忘归、游之者忘倦”。
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.
回归祖国20年，世界目睹了澳门翻天覆地的变化。今日的澳门，已成为世界旅游休闲中心、中国与葡语国家商贸合作服务平台。今后的澳门，会与祖国继续一同稳步前行。
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.
