Macao's past and present in photos

This combination photo shows readers at the Octagonal Pavilion Library in Macao, south China (top, file photo, issued on June 18, 1999) and the same library on April 22, 2017 (bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka). On Dec. 20, Macao will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to motherland. Over the past two decades, the special administrative region has made great strides in economic development and achieved prosperity and stability under the "one country, two systems" principle. Since Dec. 20, 1999, the historic day for Macao, what has changed? And what remains unchanged? Our selection of photos present comparative illustrations of the south China city's past and present. (Xinhua)