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
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
