Macao

October 23, 2023

When I first arrived in Macao, I was struck by the extravagant and omnipresent casinos, which are predominantly white and gold, showcasing the opulence of their owners. Shortly after, I quickly realized that Macao is a place with significant economic disparity, evident from the dilapidated residential buildings found all around.

Prices in Macao are high, and even drinking water is expensive. One afternoon, I had a meal at a small roadside eatery. The owner mentioned to me that young people in Macao face tremendous life pressure, and incidents of suicide are prevalent. Many young people cannot afford expensive apartments and end up living in a few square meters of rented rooms.

Underneath the city's prosperity lies the buried pain of countless ordinary people.