Integrating Intangible Heritage with Modern Technology to Redefine Cultural Tourism
[May 21, 2025, Macau] 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). This prestigious award highlights the show’s excellence in reimagining intangible cultural heritage, pioneering technological performance, promoting Chinese culture globally and achieving high artistic and international standards. It also affirms Macau 2049 as a leading example of innovation in cultural tourism content.
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.
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. This immersive audiovisual spectacle not only reinforce 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.
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About MGM
MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in Greater China. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai.
MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. The POLY MGM MUSEUM spanning almost 2,000 square meters, is constructed in accordance with Chinese national standards for the exhibition of Grade-One cultural relics. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities also include conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.
Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, MGM COTAI offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings, food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. MGM has joined hands with renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou to set up the “Macau 2049” residency in MGM Theater. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.
MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jessie Kuan
Executive Director of Public Relations
MGM
Tel: (853) 8806 3412
Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo
Karen Lam
Senior Corporate Relations Manager
MGM
Tel: (853) 8806 3421
Email: karenlam@mgm.mo
