But the success recipe under the policy is more than what the "one country" can offer. Macao has leveraged the advantages of the "two systems," retaining the benefits of its capitalist system, including a more open economic model and thriving entertainment and leisure industries, particularly the gaming sector.

It is in striking comparison to the situation on the mainland where the Criminal Law punishes whoever gathers people to engage in gambling, runs a gambling house or makes gambling his profession for the purpose of profit.

Over the past quarter-century, the "one country, two systems" policy has driven Macao's rapid economic growth. Compared with 1999, its per capita GDP more than quadrupled to around 70,000 US dollars in 2023. That took place generally in parallel with the mainland's economic take-off, but on a different path.

And the economic boom has trickled down to benefit the majority of the local population. The government has spent generously to improve accessibility and affordability of high-quality housing, healthcare and education. It is a much safer place as well, with violent crimes such as kidnapping, murder, and aggravated assault being either non-existent or extremely rare.

Zhang Jie, who moved to Macao from the mainland six years ago, said she feels confident enough to let her six-year-old daughter walk to school by herself. "Macao is extremely safe."

With concerns about maintaining their capitalist lifestyles and interests dispelled, Macao is now a kaleidoscopic city, with both opulent luxury hotels and commercial complexes that claim the world's top spots, and residential neighbourhoods with older buildings giving locals the kind of common touch they desire.

Pansy Ho Chiu-king, a billionaire businesswoman from Macao, said in a recent interview that Macao people have a genuine sense of gaining in the city's socio-economic and cultural boom.

Jose Chan Rodrigues, a Macao-born Portuguese, said Portuguese cultural elements such as the language and architecture have mostly been preserved in Macao.

"In 1999, I was still a child. My father told me not to worry. He said things will turn better. And they did," Rodrigues told Xinhua.