Guangzhou Celebrates Labor Day and Canton Fair with Spectacular Night Events
Guangzhou bustles with energy as the Canton Fair and National Games preparations coincide during China's five-day Labor Day break.
This year's five-day Labor Day holiday has brought a unique convergence to Guangzhou, as the globally renowned Canton Fair enters its most dynamic phase and preparations intensify for the upcoming 15th National Games. While daytime activity surges across the city with business deals, sports rehearsals, and crowds flocking to major attractions, it is once the sun sets that Guangzhou’s vibrant night economy truly takes center stage.
Renowned as one of China’s premier destinations during the holiday season, Guangzhou is rolling out more than 1,000 cultural and tourism events designed to engage visitors seeking new and personalized experiences. Yet it is after dusk that the city reveals a different persona: streets pulse with energy, open-air markets bustle with life, and innovative nighttime hubs entertain both residents and travelers alike.
A standout among Guangzhou’s latest additions is the Forest Light and Music Park, which recently opened its doors by hosting the Camping and Lifestyle Festival. The park was transformed into a sprawling tapestry of tents, outdoor music stages, traditional crafts, and stargazing spots. The festival featured over 30 live performances in a single evening, creating an electric atmosphere where locals mingled with tourists against a picturesque, moonlit backdrop.
Meanwhile, rural destinations like Gaotan Village are also capitalizing on the surge in night-time activity. A once-traditional food street has been reimagined as a multifaceted night economy zone, offering a variety of local cuisine, pop-up retail pavilions, cultural showcases, and leisure shopping. This bustling hub now draws crowds throughout the evening, further solidifying the village’s reputation as a compelling blend of daytime eco-tourism and lively nightlife.
To mark the special holiday period, organizers have unveiled 50 themed urban travel routes, presenting travelers with an array of nighttime sightseeing options, from spectacular riverfront light shows to historic landmarks bathed in colorful illumination. These curated tours invite participants to explore Guangzhou’s rich heritage and contemporary flair after dark, showcasing the city’s creative approach to holiday festivities and urban tourism.
With the combined energy of the Canton Fair, upcoming National Games, and a resurgent night economy, Guangzhou is embracing its role as a leading example of how cities can leverage culture, commerce and creativity to light up the night—and offer unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.
