Sands China's Community Revitalisation Series – Spring Festival in Full Bloom

New attractions at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses Museum for Chinese New Year

(Macao, Feb 6, 2024) – Macao residents and visitors can enjoy a series of new attractions this Chinese New Year at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses Museum with Sands China's Community Revitalisation Series – Spring Festival in Full Bloom.

In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Sands China is presenting a series of celebratory activities with the theme of "Spring Festival in Full Bloom" at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses Museum for the entire month of February, featuring free attractions such as an interactive A.I. photobooth, family workshops, Chinese New Year-themed and romantic installations, live music and more – presenting a revitalised area with diverse features for residents and tourists to visit during Spring Festival and enjoy a new, fun-to-explore landmark.

Leong Wai Man, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, spoke at the opening ceremony for the event series Tuesday, and said: "Since its phased opening to the public, the former site of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory has hosted numerous events, attracting and winning the participation and favour of a wide range of residents and tourists. This once again confirms that as long as Macao's rich historical districts and cultural heritage are revitalised and well-utilised, they will have vibrant vitality, not only bringing a fascinating cultural journey to the general public but also adding unique charm to the city. The Spring Festival in Full Bloom event will last for a whole month and will be held in two different locations. The activities will be diverse and full of fun, tailored to the local conditions and timing. On this occasion, on behalf of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, I would like to extend warm congratulations on the successful planning and launch of the event, and express heartfelt thanks to our partner, Sands China."

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "As Sands China supports the city's revitalisation work, we uphold the business philosophy of supporting the growth of local small, medium and micro suppliers. From the development of large-scale Grand Prix themed events to the current Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day themed installations, all aspects are supported by the services of local SMEs, young entrepreneurs, and cultural and creative companies. For the first time, we are launching simultaneous revitalisation projects at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses Museum, creating opportunities for parents and children to experience traditional Chinese culture in a fun way, while attracting couples to visit, thereby connecting these two outdoor spaces and generating a synergistic effect with the old Taipa Village area, adding charm to the community and invigorating the local economy.

"Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to implement revitalisation projects in the district, following the principle of 'restructuring, activating, integrating the old with the new,' and by supporting the 'culture+' and 'tourism+' integration development model led by the government, to unleash the diverse charm of Macao."

Attractions at Sands China's revitalised area of the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory (Opening hours: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, including public holidays; Wednesdays close at 3 p.m.) feature:

Spring Festival-themed holographic AI photobooth
With a design of an auspicious dragon, the holographic AI photobooth offers an exclusive selection of Spring Festival photo templates where visitors can take their first set of New Year photos with special effects generated by AI technology.

GONG Hei Fat Choi interactive installation
At this hands-on installation, visitors can strike the four gongs for good fortune and write down New Year wishes to hang on the Wall of Wishes to share with the city.

Spring Festival Family Workshops
Sands China has organised 12 free sessions of fun parent-child workshops featuring fai chun ink rubbing, Chinese weaving, paper craft, and lantern making – letting everyone experience the charm of Chinese traditions and culture.

Live music
Coinciding with Lantern Festival, musical performances feature soul-stirring pieces as a blessing to lovers all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon and feel the romantic atmosphere in the air. Showtimes are Feb. 24-25, at 4-4:30 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. each day.

At Sands China's revitalised area of the Taipa Houses Museum, attractions feature:

Light up the heart
In this game, couples, parents and children, siblings, or friends can pair up to convert their calories into momentum to light up a giant heart.

Larger-than-life bouquet of roses
This giant bouquet is made up of more than a hundred fibreglass roses of various sizes, making it a great spot for photos.

Live music
Visitors can come to the Taipa Houses Museum to enjoy live jazz in a romantic Portuguese setting for Valentine's Day. Showtimes are Feb. 13-14, at 4-4:30 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. each day.

Sands China's Community Revitalisation Series – Spring Festival in Full Bloom is part of the company's revitalisation efforts, which include the revitalisation and optimisation plan of the areas around the Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses Museum, Pátio da Eterna Felicidade, and Rua das Estalagens, in cooperation with the Macao SAR government. It is also the company's objective to organise a diverse range of activities encompassing culture, arts and sports at Macao Cultural Centre Square – such as the recent 'Winter Showcase' series of outdoor performances – making it a new option for hosting outdoor events in Macao.

Photo caption: Guests officiate the opening ceremony of Sands China's Community Revitalisation Series – Spring Festival in Full Bloom Tuesday at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory. In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Sands China is presenting a series of celebratory activities at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses Museum for the entire month of February, featuring free attractions for a new, fun-to-explore landmark.

Left to right: Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd.; Ng Sio Lai, president of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Wan Su Cheng, director general of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Leong Wai Man, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd.; Chan Chi Seng, Director General of Associação de Moradores da Taipa