Preface

Macao occupies a very small area, whether it is viewed on a world map or a map of China. However, it plays an important role in the history of Sino-Western exchange. Throughout history, Macao has been weaving a unique cultural landscape that blends the ancient with the modern, and features the encounter of China and the West. Archival documents in various languages and perspectives bear witness to the past and present of this seaport as a hub for cultural and material exchanges since the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR, the First Historical Archives of China and the University of Macau have jointly organised the exhibition ‘Winds of Confluence: The Story of Macao in the Historical Archives of the Ming and Qing Dynasties’. More than 100 pieces of precious archival documents are on display, including booklets, memorials and maps pertaining to Macao during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as credentials and inscriptions related to European missions to China. These exhibits present the history and evolution of Macao within the context of China’s interaction with the world in the past 500 years. This exhibition showcases the story of Macao as a hub of exchange and integration between Chinese civilisation and the global community, highlighting the vicissitudes of Macao’s development from a small fishing village into a prosperous international trade port from a historical perspective.

The First Historical Archives of China was established in 1925. It is a national archives institution dedicated to the collection and management of central government records from the Ming and Qing dynasties and previous dynasties. It is also one of the document collection institutions with the richest collection of Macao-related historical archives. We hope that this collaboration between the University of Macau and the First Historical Archives of China will not only enrich the historical materials available for relevant disciplines and research at the university, but also deepen public understanding of Macao’s profound historical and cultural heritage. This partnership will strengthen Macao residents’ identification with the history and culture of their motherland.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the First Historical Archives of China and look forward to more collaboration between our two parties in the future. This exhibition has also received great support from archives institutions in China and Portugal, such as the Ajuda Library in Portugal and the Shanghai Library. The University of Macau is committed to serving as an academic platform that aligns with the country’s vision of Macao as a hub for exchanges and cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries and regions. We aim to promote academic research and cultural exchanges among all parties and support Macao in continuing its vital role as a bridge for Sino-Western cultural exchange in the new era.

Prof Rui Martins
Vice Rector (Global Affairs)
University of Macau