The groundbreaking residency show Macau 2049 jointly created by MGM and the internationally acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, has been recognized with the 6th China Cultural Tourism Pioneer Award 2025 presented by the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA).
The China Cultural Tourism Pioneer Award 2025 not only affirms MGM‘s Macau 2049 Residency Show as a leading example of innovation in cultural tourism content but also highlights its excellence in reimagining intangible cultural heritage, pioneering technological performance, promoting Chinese culture globally, and achieving high artistic and international standards.
Set against a backdrop of futurism, Macau 2049 integrates dynamic stage architecture, massive LED screens, air fountain, artificial intelligence and biomimetic dirigibles, weaving Chinese intangible cultural heritage into contemporary performing arts.
The award ceremony was recently held in Qingdao, Shandong. Following two rounds of meticulous evaluation by more than 20 leading experts from across China’s cultural and tourism sectors, Macau 2049 distinguished itself with its visionary approach—seamlessly blending traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to transcend conventional boundaries. Representatives of Macau 2049 were invited to attend the ceremony and proudly accepted the award on behalf of the team.
This immersive audiovisual spectacle not only reinforces Macau’s positioning as a “City of Performing Arts,” but also offers international visitors a compelling window into Chinese culture. The show sets a new benchmark for innovation in China’s cultural tourism sector. Looking ahead, Macau 2049 will continue to develop new content, explore more cross-disciplinary collaborations and continue to expand its influence on the global stage.
The award ceremony was held alongside the 2nd China Theme Park Strategic Marketing Summit, which brought together top cultural tourism projects, theme park leaders, immersive experience venues and creative content agencies from across the country. The summit covered a wide range of sectors including cultural performances, integrated tourism complexes and interactive immersive spaces.
Macau 2049 celebrated its 100th performance on May 14. Since its debut on December 15, 2024, this audiovisual spectacle—seamlessly blending tradition with technology and culture with innovation—has reached a remarkable milestone in just six months. This achievement not only marks the show’s transition into a maturing phase, continually injecting vitality into Macau’s cultural tourism industry, but also highlights the futuristic reinterpretation of China’s intangible cultural heritage and the humanized application of cutting-edge technology to global audiences.
