UM exhibits over 100 archives related to Macao from Ming and Qing Dynasties

The exhibition ‘Winds of Confluence: The Story of Macao in the Historical Archives of the Ming and Qing Dynasties’ opened today (5 December) at the Exhibition Hall of the University of Macau (UM) Wu Yee Sun Library. Organised by UM and the First Historical Archives of China (FHAC), the exhibition features over 100 archival documents related to Macao from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These include memorials to the throne, maps, as well as letters of credence brought by diplomatic missions from European countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom during their visits to China. The exhibition attracted many UM students and faculty, as well as members of the public.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, UM Rector Yonghua Song thanked FHAC for their strong support. He noted that most of the exhibits are collections from FHAC, many of which are being shown to the public for the first time. The exhibition is the result of cooperation between UM, FHAC, and Ajuda Library in Portugal, and a demonstration of resource sharing and cooperation between Chinese and Portuguese archival institutions. He added that UM is committed to serving as a platform for promoting academic research and cultural exchange with Portuguese-speaking countries and regions.

Wang Hongyun, director of FHAC, expressed hope that the exhibition will help promote Chinese culture and show the image of China in the new era, while enhancing the cultural identity and national identity of Macao residents and fostering international cultural exchanges and cooperation. Cristina Pinto Basto, director of the Ajuda Library, said that the exhibition demonstrates knowledge sharing and cooperation between Chinese and Portuguese institutions.

The exhibition is currently held in the Exhibition Hall on the ground floor of the UM Wu Yee Sun Library (E2). It is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm until 31 March 2025, including public holidays (except for the first three days of the Chinese New Year). Admission is free.

In addition, the Sino-Portuguese Historical Documents Forum was held concurrently, where representatives and scholars from archival institutions in China and Portugal discussed cooperation and research on Sino-Portuguese historical document resources.