As May Day approaches, Dongguan is ready to welcome visitors with a vibrant lineup of events and experiences. This year's 2025 Strawberry Music Festival will be held from May 2 to 4 at Humen Park, Dongguan, featuring three days of non-stop performances across three major stages. International acts and top Greater Bay Area musicians like Miriam Yeung, Pakho Chau, Zhao Lei, and Steve Chou will set the stage on fire, promising an unforgettable holiday for music lovers nationwide.
But Dongguan has much more waiting beyond the festival grounds. Especially in the vibrant heart of the city—Nancheng District. Whether you love gourmet food, lively performances, stylish exhibitions, pet-friendly activities, or simply relaxing with a good book, there's something for everyone this May Day.
1 Local flavors At the "Roast Goose Carnival", visitors can experience Dongguan's famous roast goose culture like never before. A variety of roast goose dishes, creative drinks, and crossover products will be on display. Live cooking demonstrations by expert chefs offer a hands-on opportunity to explore the secrets behind Dongguan's legendary roast goose. Keep an eye out too, high-tech robot dogs will pop up randomly at event venues, offering delightful surprise encounters. Time: 16:00-21:30, May 1–5 Site: Xiping Xindi Center (西平新地中心) Meanwhile, at Nancheng Civic Park, the Pet Party offers a fun-filled playground for animal lovers. Animal lovers can meet adorable pets, feed them, and take part in fun interactive games designed for both owners and pets. Time: 16:00-21:30, May 1–3 Site: Nancheng Civic Park (南城市民花园) And for coffee and tea lovers, the Coffee Party brings together handcrafted brews, trendy milk teas, and live music for a chill-out experience you won't want to miss. Time: 11:00-21:00, May 1–5 Site: Diamond Plaza, ONE Mall (海德·汇一城钻石广场) 2 Music If you can't get enough of music after the Strawberry Festival, downtown Dongguan has more to offer! From May 1 to 5, ONE Mall's Trendy Music Parties will feature live bands and singers, covering a wide range of styles from indie to rock to pop. Time: 19:00–21:00, May 1–5 Site: Diamond Plaza, ONE Mall (海德·汇一城钻石广场) On May 4, the "Matchbox" City Art Time Concert at Dongguan Central Park promises an unforgettable night of rhythm and creativity, turning the city center into a massive open-air music party. Time: 19:30, May 4 Site: Dongguan Central Park (东莞中心公园) 3 Natural beauty and trendy streets Need a breather? Dongguan's parks are a perfect escape. Visit Shuilianshan Forest Park, Biyu Lake, Dongguan Botanical Garden, Dongguan Central Parkfor breathtaking landscapes. Think lush forests, serene lakes, waterfalls, open lawns, and even rare plants, all are perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments. For a more urban vibe, explore trendy spots like 769 Creative Park, streets in DG Mall, and Guangfa Area. Here you'll find stylish indie shops, art spaces, and a vibrant "city walk" experience blending culture and everyday life. 4 Sports facilities May Day isn't just for relaxing, it's also a great time to get moving. Over 20 primary and secondary schools in Nancheng District are opening their sports grounds for free to the public during the holidays. Book a spot through the "南城体育通" mini-program and enjoy track, basketball, football, badminton, and more, right in the heart of the city. 5 Reading and cultural exhibitions Nancheng offers a network of libraries and reading stations open during May Day, including Nancheng Library, Shuxiang Nanyuan, and more. Pick up a book, enjoy the comfortable surroundings, and take a break from the crowds. Library Hours during the Holiday: -Nancheng Library (南城图书馆): 9:00-17:00 -Shuxiang Nanyuan·Dongguan (书香南苑·莞): 10:00-21:30 -Xiaoyi Culture·Dongguan (晓一文化·莞): 9:00-20:00 -Fangtian Cultural Reading Station (方田文化城市阅读驿站): 10:00-18:00, open May 3-5 Other urban reading stations available with varying hours. For history enthusiasts, the Guangdong Scholar Exhibition at the Dongguan Haogang Site Museum (until May 8) offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient scholars. Meanwhile, the Nancheng Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall is hosting fun interactive games and showcasing local heritage through multimedia displays. Art fans can also catch performances at the Dongguan Exhibition Center, Dongguan Science Center, and live shows by Happy Mahua and at Yulan Theatre during the holiday.
