Sands Cares Ambassadors Visit Sun Yat-sen’s Chong Sai Pharmacy on Rua das Estalagens

 

（Macao, April 27, 2025） – A group of over 30 Sands Cares Ambassadors and family members toured the Former Chong Sai Pharmacy at Rua das Estalagens Sunday, for an activity organised by Sands China to commemorate the centenary of the passing of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who established the pharmacy in 1893 at No. 80 Rua das Estalagens.

Chong Sai Pharmacy left a glorious mark on Macao, as Sun was the first Chinese doctor to practice Western medicine in Macao. Sands China organised the visit to the landmark building to help participants gain a deeper understanding of Sun Yat-sen’s historical imprint on Macao and get a glimpse into the development of Rua das Estalagens from old times to the present.

The visit began with an introduction by a docent, after which the Sands Cares Ambassadors and their families toured the exhibition, where they learned about the important connection between Sun Yat-sen and Macao, Sun’s indomitable spirit and determination in pursuit of national independence and revitalisation throughout his lifetime, and the characteristics and architecture of the traditional shophouse. 

They then browsed traditional shops on Rua das Estalagens and visited the distinctive shops created via Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens. The successful programme launched a year ago, and six of its seven businesses – restaurants, cafes and bakeries – have since started their operations on Rua das Estalagens. The outing deepened team members’ understanding of Rua das Estalagens while giving them a chance to support local SMEs, participate in reviving the neighbourhood’s economy and enjoy the shops’ unique culinary flavours.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China was very pleased to organise a group of our team member volunteers and their families to visit the Former Chong Sai Pharmacy and explore the historical footprints of Rua das Estalagens. This was not only a meaningful journey of exploring the past and the new, but also reflects Sands China’s active promotion of cultural heritage and community integration. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, this event led participants to understand the deep humanity of this great man, as we remember and appreciate his lofty ideals and selfless dedication to the well-being of the country and its people. The Former Chong Sai Pharmacy has a glorious history of being one of the earliest private clinics with Western medical services operated by a Chinese doctor; it is a place that inspires patriotism and reminds us to stay true to our aspirations. The historical events of Rua das Estalagens allow us to see the unique role of Macao throughout the times – it is not only a stage for the intersection of Chinese and Western cultures, but also a microcosm of the wisdom of ordinary people’s lives. We hope more local residents and tourists will rediscover the cultural and historical sites on Rua das Estalagens and together bring back the former glory of the street.”

As part of Sands China’s revitalisation efforts for Rua das Estalagens, the company released a new bilingual publication in March, “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens.” Created through the community’s collaborative efforts, it highlights the fascinating past of the historic Macao street and the beauty of its legacy. By engaging in intimate conversations with associations, business entities and residents in the district, the book has encapsulated the characters and historical moments from the street’s past through oral history, providing valuable reference for the next generation to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Macao and Rua Das Estalagens, thereby inheriting and promoting the culture and fellowship of this unique Macao neighbourhood.

The book is available for borrowing at the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Macao Public Library, and the digital version can be viewed and downloaded at https://assets.sandsresortsmacao.cn/ebook/SCL/revitalization-of-rua-das-estalagens/index.html