Step out of the glittering glitz to discover magical lights and shadows — Macau’s mysterious treasures only come alive at night!

▲The Macao Light Festival kicked off in full swing on the 4th. (Photo / Provided by Macao Tourism Board)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Macao

On December 4th, the Macao International Marathon and the Latin Fantasy Parade wrapped up successfully, while on the same day,"2016 Macao Light Festival – The Secret Treasures of Light"officially commenced. The illuminated route includes eight locations: the Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Nam Van 'Avenida da Ribeira do Cerco, St. Lawrence's Church, Mandarin's House, Lilau Square, the Maritime Museum Building, and Senado Square. The lights turn on every evening at 7 PM, transforming the atmosphere from the daytime and telling different stories through projections and light art, leaving everyone who passes by enchanted.

▲Colorful lights illuminate the night. (Photo / Provided by Macao Tourism Board)

The "2016 Macao Light Festival – The Secret Treasures of Light" held its opening ceremony on the 4th at Nam Van 'Avenida da Ribeira do Cerco. During the lighting ceremony, the water screen by the lake projected dazzling and mesmerizing images — playful koi fish, vibrant gemstones, and spectacular fireworks that constantly transformed. Set against the backdrop of the lakeside skyline of skyscrapers, the scene was absolutely breathtaking.

▲Water screen performance at Avenida da Ribeira do Cerco. (Photo / By Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Around Avenida da Ribeira do Cerco, fun and dynamic 3D light graffiti attracted crowds eager to take photos. The illuminated decorations by the lake cast reflections on the water surface at night, complementing the reflections of the nearby skyscrapers to form a picturesque “painting of light,” offering a different surprise from every angle. Other light installations include the “Treasure Lake” made up of 360 LED spheres at the Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre, the “Tree of Blessings” that glows at Lilau Square, the “Chain of Treasures” at the Maritime Museum Building, and the “Bay of Hope” at Senado Square — each showcasing creative ingenuity throughout Macao.

▲Interesting 3D light graffiti installations. (Photo / By Reporter Yu Jiayun)

▲The lake reflections at night are truly enchanting. (Photo / Provided by Macao Tourism Board)

Beyond the creative light installations, the light sculpture performances are another highlight not to be missed. At the Mandarin's House, the piece “Heritage” uses projection technology combined with hand-painted ink animations and poetry to vividly depict Macao’s moving stories. The A-Ma Temple also features projections that give the solemn temple a uniquely modern vibe through changing imagery. The Macao Light Festival will run until December 31st, and visitors shouldn’t miss this illuminated, fantastical side of Macao after dark.

▲Projections at the Mandarin's House tell Macao’s story. (Photo / Provided by Macao Tourism Board)

▲The bustling A-Ma Temple in Macao. (Photo / Provided by Macao Tourism Board)

2016 Macao Light Festival – The Secret Treasures of Light
Locations: Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Nam Van 'Avenida da Ribeira do Cerco, St. Lawrence's Church, Mandarin's House, Lilau Square, Maritime Museum Building, A-Ma Temple
Time: 7 PM to 10 PM, from December 4 to 31