Tourists sit on the steps of Dom Pedro V Theatre in south China's Macao, Dec. 12, 2024.

The historic center of Macao, a UNESCO world heritage site, bears witness to one of the earliest and longest-lasting encounters between China and the West.

The narrow and elongated area is dotted with historic buildings, from the A-Ma Temple dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu, to the Mandarin's House -- the former residence of a prominent Chinese historical figure, and the landmark Ruins of St. Paul's, once among the largest Catholic churches in the Far East. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)