The May Day holiday is in full swing, and cities across Guangdong are rolling out a variety of events, from garden trails to night carnivals and family-friendly festivals. Here are a few ideas for a quick getaway.
Tourism Area of Sun Yat-sen's Hometown, Zhongshan (孙中山故里旅游区)
This historic site will host a range of holiday activities from May 1 to 5. Highlights include immersive role-playing games, traditional Yingge dance, dragon and lion parades, and themed live performances inspired by martial arts culture. A holiday bazaar and a public viewing area for the Guangdong City Football Super League (Yue Chao) will add to the festive atmosphere.
(Photo: Zhongshan Fabu)
Ticket: Free (some activities charged separately)
Address: No.45 Cuiheng Avenue, Nanlang Sub-district, Zhongshan (中山市南朗街道翠亨大道45号)
More in Zhongshan:
Zhan Yuan (詹园): Handicrafts, Hanfu parades and interactive games
Cloud Nine Hot Spring, Huizhou (南昆山云顶温泉度假村)
Cloud Nine Hot Spring resort offers a mix of food, entertainment and relaxation during the holiday. A crayfish food festival features a variety of flavors paired with craft beer, while evening programs include live bands and fireworks. Visitors can also enjoy DIY workshops, tasting sessions and light recreational games.
(Photo: Huizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
The resort has more than 170 hot spring pools, water play areas, indoor and outdoor family facilities, as well as options such as karting, VR games and KTV, making it an easy all-in-one getaway.
Ticket: From RMB 99 (hot spring access; accommodation priced separately)
Address: Zenglong Road, Maxing Village, Yonghan Town, Longmen County, Huizhou (惠州市龙门县永汉镇马星村增龙路)
Xinghu Scenic Area, Zhaoqing (星湖旅游景区)
Xinghu Scenic Area is hosting a holiday carnival featuring live theatre, clown parades, magic shows, music fountains and bubble performances, bringing a festive atmosphere to the park. From April 30 to May 5, an inkstone-themed cultural carnival is also taking place at the east gate square of Seven Star Crags, with traditional inkstones, intangible cultural heritage crafts, local specialties, exhibitions and hands-on workshops on display.
(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)
Ticket: RMB 56 (same price for Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain; separate tickets required)
Address: No.1 Wenming North Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区文明北路1号)
Nan'ao Island, Shantou (南澳岛)
Nan'ao Island offers a coastal getaway during the holiday. Beaches such as Beisha Bay and Haima Bay host a mix of seaside activities, including live music, pop-up markets and seafood barbecues. Visitors can also enjoy trendy facilities such as a retro train-themed cafe.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Ticket: Free (some attractions on the island may charge admission)
Address: Nan'ao County, Shantou (汕头市南澳县)
Chaozhou Ancient City (潮州古城)
From Han Wen Gong Memorial Hall to Guangji Bridge, a walk through Paifang Street and the old alleys turns the area into an immersive cultural route. Intangible heritage artisans demonstrate wood carving and Chaozhou embroidery on site. With folk performances, Yingge dance parades and hands-on workshops, the ancient city offers an engaging way to explore Chaozhou's thousand-year heritage.
(Photo: Chaozhou Fabu)
Ticket: Free
Address: Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou (潮州市湘桥区)
Jieyang Confucius Academy (揭阳学宫) and Jinxian Gate (进贤门)
If you're exploring Jieyang this May Day, don't miss the city's historic landmarks, which capture the essence of Chaoshan culture. Start your morning at Jieyang Confucius Academy in Jieyang Ancient City, one of the best-preserved historical building complexes in the Lingnan area. Walking through its grand gates, you'll be surrounded by exquisite wood carvings and stone sculptures that tell stories of ancient wisdom.
Just a short stroll away stands the iconic Jinxian Gate. Built in the Ming Dynasty, this gatehouse is a symbol of good luck. Local tradition says passing through the gate brings success to scholars and travelers alike. At night, the gate lights up beautifully, blending ancient charm with the energy of the modern city.
(Photo: Jieyang Daily)
Ticket: Free
Address:
Jieyang Confucius Academy: No.7 Hanci Road, Rongcheng District, Jieyang (揭阳榕城区韩祠路7号)
Jinxian Gate: Jinxianmen Avenue, Rongcheng District, Jieyang (揭阳榕城区进贤门大道)
Zhelang Peninsula at Red Bay, Shanwei (红海湾遮浪旅游区)
Zhelang Peninsula stretches into the sea between Red Bay and Jieshi Bay, creating a unique landscape with rolling waves on one side and calm waters on the other. Dubbed one of China’s best tide-watching bays, it features golden beaches, clear blue waters and diverse rock formations. Popular among surfers, the area has hosted many sailing events.
(Photo: The People's Government of Shanwei Municipality)
At the peninsula's eastern tip stands a historic "castle," a cafe transformed from an abandoned wave-power station, offering stunning views. Heading south along the scenic Coastal Road, travelers can enjoy spectacular sunsets over the sea.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Ticket: Free
Address: No. 1, Nan'ao Road, Zhelang Community, Zhelang Sub-district, Honghaiwan Economic Development Zone, Shanwei City (汕尾市红海湾经济开发区遮浪街道遮浪社区南澳路1号)
Author | Huang Xinying, Dong Han
Poster | Lai Meiya
