• Sands China has released a new bilingual book titled In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens.
• The publication showcases the cultural and historic beauty of Rua das Estalagens.

In a significant effort to preserve and celebrate Macau’s unique cultural heritage, Sands China released a new bilingual book this year, In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens. The publication, meticulously compiled by a team of local editors, illustrators and researchers, offers readers a vibrant window into the rich history of one of Macau’s oldest streets – Rua das Estalagens – and the enduring legacy of its community.

A collaborative community achievement
The project was made possible through the support of the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, with key backing from the Cultural Affairs Bureau. Together with a local creative team responsible for editing, photography and design, the group weaved together historical anecdotes, oral histories and vivid visuals, creating a book that is both accessible and deeply informative.

With this publication, residents and visitors alike are invited to rediscover Rua das Estalagens, exploring not only the fascinating stories of century-old shops and family businesses but also the wider cultural significance of the neighborhood and its evolution alongside Macau’s transformation into an international city.

Oral histories and local legacy
What sets In Search of Its Roots apart is its deeply personal approach. Author Siguo Chen engaged with local business owners, residents and associations, capturing oral histories that bring to life the characters, key events and community bonds that have shaped Rua das Estalagens across generations. The book goes beyond simple historical recounting – it preserves invaluable memories and records how the district has grown and changed over time.

The bilingual nature of the publication ensures accessibility to both local readers and international visitors, helping to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps while promoting broader understanding of Macau’s unique urban tapestry. The book has been archived by public libraries across Macau and distributed to local secondary and primary schools – nurturing an early appreciation of local history and community identity among younger generations.

Revitalization through entrepreneurship
Sands China’s commitment to Rua das Estalagens extends well beyond the pages of the book. In April last year, the company launched the “Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens”, a community-driven initiative designed to support local SME development and stimulate the neighborhood economy. The program encourages residents with creative entrepreneurial ideas to establish businesses along Rua das Estalagens, helping to breathe new life into the area and return the street to its former vibrancy.

Seven distinctive new businesses were selected through the program and have begun opening in phases – Catfee, OLÁLÁ, Panpan, Café Fantart, Travessa Gelato, Little Port and Voyage Thai Kitchen – each bringing its own unique character and injecting new energy into the old district. These new ventures not only contribute to local economic activity but also offer platforms for young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and enrich the community with innovative concepts.

Community art and beautification
Beyond business, Sands China has also partnered with the Macau Artist Society on a project to visually transform Rua das Estalagens. In 2024, Sands China commissioned two young local artists – Lei Chek On and Sit Ka Kit – to paint the gates of historic shops along the street, infusing the area with imaginative designs that highlight each shop’s unique story. These creative interventions serve a dual purpose: beautifying the neighborhood while deepening residents’ connection to the street’s layered history. For visitors, the art offers a novel way to discover the narratives of Macau’s past, as interpreted by a new generation of local artists.

Leong Wai Man, President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, expressed that, in addition to the launch of the innovative Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, the Bureau was pleased to see Sands China collaborating with the Macau Artist Society to beautify the street and to publish In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens. Leong noted that these efforts broaden the discussion around the preservation and revitalization of Rua das Estalagens, emphasizing its wider significance to society.

She further conveyed the hope that the restoration of the street would inspire more people to appreciate Macau’s historical neighborhoods and to actively participate in their preservation – combining ideas and resources to ensure that the city’s culture and history continue to thrive for generations to come.

“Rua das Estalagens is a microcosm of Macau itself, a place where a rich history meets a modern future,” said Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China. He emphasized that the alleys of this historic street have witnessed Macau’s transformation over the years and that the stories and people associated with the neighborhood are precious sources of the city’s cultural heritage.

Wong further highlighted that the publication of In Search of Its Roots was made possible through close collaboration with the local team, who conducted interviews with historic shops, created illustrations and captured photographs to document the area’s vibrant legacy. He expressed hope that both residents and visitors would be captivated by the unique charm of Rua das Estalagens as showcased in the book and was pleased that the publication has been archived by schools and public libraries across Macau to inspire future generations.

Additionally, he noted that the partnership with the Macau Artist Society to beautify historic shop gates has enabled artists to incorporate the street’s unique characteristics into their work, preserving the city’s culture while introducing fresh elements to the district.

“Together, these efforts demonstrate our commitments to stimulating the economy and supporting businesses in the neighborhood, showcasing the fruitful achievements of urban development by illustrating the stories of Macau,” Wong said.

The digital version of In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens can be viewed and downloaded below.