Cultural activities abound in Beijing as May Day holiday nears

Captivating cultural and sporting events have caught the interest of residents in Beijing as the city prepares to celebrate this year's May Day holiday, running from May 1 to 5.

The holiday is commonly a time for recreation and travel, and many residents of the city are already embracing that spirit as innovative dramas entice audiences.

The dance drama "Confucius," performed by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, has drawn viewers to Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts with its artistic retelling of the legendary philosopher's life story.

"I believe it was already a renowned dance drama during my undergraduate years. I had wanted to watch it then. Now, after five or six years, I finally have the chance to see it," said an audience member.

The stage show portrays the life of Confucius as he travels to different states through a series of choreography rich in Chinese elements.

"The attendance at each performance has consistently exceeded 90 percent. For example, the set design featuring the scroll captures the elegance of the literati. The sliding, unfolding, and transforming movements of the scroll create a sense of space," said Kong Dexin, chief director of the dance drama. At the city's Drum Tower West Theater, an immersive live drama titled "Lying Flat 2.0" has been offering a novel theatrical experience by allowing viewers to watch the show while lying down.

"The main feature is allowing the audience to watch the show while lying down. There is only this one viewing option available -- no standing tickets, no seated tickets. All audience members lie on movable beds," said Wang Chong, director of the innovative drama.

In preparation for the upcoming holiday, Beijing is also preparing to launch a series of tourism routes to provide visitors to the city with a fresh perspective.

"Ten niche tourist routes will be launched, connecting lesser-known but beautiful scenic spots with pleasant experiences, including historical sites, museums, and natural landscapes," said Zheng Fang, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

The city is also aiming to encourage physical outdoor activity during the holiday by calling on residents and visitors to embark on curated treks that offer a peek into Beijing's rich history.

"We will introduce 100 distinctive hiking routes that highlight the unique characteristics of Beijing by exploring the city's rich historical heritage and natural landscapes," said Shi Fenghua, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau.

Cultural activities abound in Beijing as May Day holiday nears

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival