The Macao Special Administrative Region is celebrating five years since its return to China and from all over the SAR, everyone is coming together to celebrate the historic occasion.

A reception was held Thursday afternoon by the Macao Chamber of Commerce. Participating were Chairman of the chamber and also CPPCC Vice Chairman, Ma Man-kei, Macao SAR's chief executive Ho Hau-wah and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central government in Macao, Bai Zhijian.

Ma Man-Kei said the events of the past five years were proof of the theories -- "One Country, Two Systems", "Macao People Governing Macao" and "High Degree of Autonomy". He said he was confident of a brighter future for the region.

Meanwhile, Macao residents are already queuing for tickets for an evening gala featuring artists from the mainland and Macao. The event on Friday at Macao's Tourist Tower Square will showcase the tremendous changes that have occurred since Macao returned to China five years ago.