Photo: Li Hao/GT

Across China, a wide range of cultural, tourism and sports activities have been launched to meet the public's growing demand for holiday travel and leisure as the May Day holidays are set to start on May 1 and last until May 5.

Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have become some of the most popular destinations for both rail and air travelers during the holiday, reported the Xinhua News Agency.

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, the Beijing Zoo has unveiled eight newly introduced animal species comprising 21 individual animals, such as the King Cobra, the Green Peafowl, the Mandrill and the Olive Baboon. On Monday, many visitors came to see the new arrivals. A lot of visitors were asking for the Green Peafowl and Mandrill. 

In the Yangtze River Delta, one of China's most economically vibrant regions, many local governments have rolled out special measures to "pamper" tourists. 

Beyond opening internal parking facilities at government and corporate offices to ease holiday parking pressures, many government canteens opened their doors to travelers.

For example, the government cafeteria in Donghai county, East China's Jiangsu Province offered visitors special local meal sets, two meat dishes and two vegetable sides, for just 10 yuan ($1.37), reported Jiefang Daily.

This initiative has not only promoted local cuisine and encouraged further visits to nearby attractions, but also received highly positive ­feedback, delivering both economic benefits and a boost to local reputation.

An official with the Hengdian World Studios, a major film production base in East China's Zhejiang Province, told the Global Times that in order to offer visitors some unique memories, they have launched some activities such as night tours and immersive acting activities. 

Meanwhile, various cities have introduced new conveniences for international visitors. On Monday, Beijing ­Subway opened its first currency exchange booth at ­Wangfujing Station. Both local residents and international tourists can now easily exchange foreign currency into Chinese yuan, or vice versa, with the support for up to 40 different currencies, according to the Beijing Daily.

Per the latest data, in the first quarter of this year, China has received 9.215 million ­inbound foreign tourists, marking a year-on-year increase of 40.2 percent. 

Data also shows that in 2024, China received a total of 26.94 million foreign visitors, a year-on-year growth of 96 percent. 

In addition, some major sports events scheduled during the holidays also offer more options for the public. 

The Chinese national badminton team eyes an unprecedented fourth consecutive title and a record 14th overall crown in the ongoing Sudirman Cup world mixed team badminton championship in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province. 

The 2025 Diving World Cup Super Final will be held at the National Aquatics Center, also known as the "Water Cube" in Beijing, from May 2 to 4. Paris Olympic champions Quan Hongchan, Chen Yuxi, Chen Yiwen, Chang Yani and Wang Zongyuan will put on a diving showpiece for the audience. 

The Chinese Super League will feature a top-of-the-table clash on May 2 as Chengdu Rong host league leaders Shanghai Shenhua, who are three points ahead of second-placed Rongcheng and remain undefeated this season. 

The semifinals of the Chinese Basketball Association playoffs will continue during the holidays. Defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards will host Zhejiang Lions on May 1 and Beijing Ducks will take on Shanxi Loongs on May 2 in the best-of-five series.