Xi Jinping on his way to Macau for 25th anniversary of return to China

President Xi Jinping will arrive in Macau within hours to kick off a three-day visit which will mark the 25th anniversary of the gaming hub’s return to Chinese administration and conclude with the inauguration of the city’s incoming leader.

A red-carpet passenger staircase and a podium were set up at Macau’s airport ramp on Wednesday in preparation for Xi’s arrival.

Chief executive-designate Sam Hou-fai, incumbent leader Ho Iat-seng and a delegation of top officials are expected to welcome the president at the airport.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, was also spotted in Macau ahead of Xi’s arrival.

According to news agency Xinhua, Xi met top Hainan officials in the city of Sanya on Tuesday afternoon.

The Sanya airport’s website showed that arrivals and departures between 2pm and 3.45pm on Wednesday had been rescheduled. Some flights at Macau’s airport were also rescheduled to open up a window from around 2pm to 5pm.