The ties that bind
China DailyYoung people reflect on the connection between Macao and the Chinese mainland and the changes that have transpired over a quarter century. "Mainland brands are opening stores in Macao, and young people there are also enjoying mainland TV dramas," said Iao, a translation major at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Jiangsu province. "Many people from Macao now work on the mainland, which has greatly narrowed the cultural and lifestyle differences between the two places." "Macao is small, but the In-Depth Cooperation Zone has expanded its potential for growth, helping diversify the economy beyond its traditional dependence on the entertainment industry," Song explained. "I truly value the development opportunities Macao has today, and after graduating, I aim to use what I've learned to contribute to Macao's growth," she said.