Guangzhou Celebrates Labor Day and Canton Fair with Spectacular Nighttime Events

This year's five-day Labor Day holiday is casting an unprecedented spotlight on Guangzhou, one of China’s most dynamic metropolises. The overlap of the Canton Fair—one of the world’s largest trade events—and preparations for the upcoming 15th National Games has injected the city with a renewed vigor. Yet, while daytime scenes pulse with commerce and sports fever, it’s after sunset that Guangzhou truly reveals its electric side, as the city’s night economy becomes the focal point of festivities.

This year, over 1,000 cultural and tourism activities have been launched, transforming Guangzhou into a magnet for those in pursuit of unique travel experiences. The city’s strategic focus on personalized and high-quality tourism has not only attracted holidaymakers but also international visitors attending the Canton Fair. As darkness falls, open-air markets, immersive events, and urban art installations entice both locals and tourists, redefining nightlife in this southern hub.

The recent debut of the Forest Light and Music Park drew large evening crowds with its signature Camping and Lifestyle Festival. Under a canopy of stars, festival-goers mingled among tents, live music stages, and craft stalls. More than 30 live acts enlivened the park, creating a symphony of sights and sounds where nature and culture seamlessly intertwined. Attendees described the atmosphere as “magical” and “refreshingly creative,” marking the park as a new staple of Guangzhou’s nightscape.

Meanwhile, in the rural outskirts of Gaotan Village, the transformation of a local food street has become a showcase for rural revitalization through night tourism. The newly established night economy zone now features dedicated spaces for gourmet food stalls, pop-up artisan markets, live cultural performances, and leisurely shopping. This lively scene not only boosts the village’s economic prospects but also complements the region’s well-established eco-tourism attractions, presenting an inviting blend of tradition and innovation.

Perhaps most notably, Guangzhou is introducing 50 themed urban travel routes designed to highlight the city’s nocturnal charms. These routes offer everything from riverfront light shows to illuminated strolls through historic neighborhoods, allowing both residents and visitors to encounter Guangzhou’s history and modernity from a fresh perspective. With each evening, the city pulses to a rhythm that’s brighter, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before.