Tourists flocked to Macao at Christmas.

According to the latest statistics, Macao's ports of entry handled a total of 370,500 visitors from December 22 to 26.

Gongbei Customs, the only land gate linking the special administrative region with China's inland areas, received 284,300 visitors alone. A number of special passages were added to handle the passenger flow. Police were there helping the visitors fill in the entry and exit cards and reminding them of taking care of their luggage.

Major streets, parks and gardens were decorated with flowers and lanterns to welcome the tourists. Many commodities were on sale in Macao.

On the other hand, a total of 394,100 Macao residents traveled to other places. Many people went to China's inland areas to visit their relatives or sightseeing.

( Xinhua News Agency Decmeber 27, 2001)