Unique tourism experiences across China captivate visitors during May Day Holiday

Distinctive tourism projects at attractions across China have captivated large numbers of visitors, offering them entirely new travel experiences.

At Zhangbi Fortress, an ancient multi-functional military stronghold in north China's Shanxi Province, visitors are treated to an immersive journey that blends history with technology.

With the help of virtual reality (VR) headsets, tourists can team up with virtual archaeologists on an adventure to uncover the secrets of this mysterious fortress.

"After putting on the headsets, the combination of virtual and real elements creates an immersive, interactive experience. It's very high-tech, and it feels truly amazing," said Du Sidan, a tourist.

In addition, the site offers vibrant folk performances, enriching the experience with local culture.

"We've prepared a variety of colorful folk performances, such as ancient costume parades and large-space mixed reality immersive, interactive programs, offering visitors a unique tourism experience," said Yan Xiaofeng, deputy general manager of the Shanxi Kaijia Zhangbi Castle Eco-tourism Co., Ltd.

Meanwhile, in Dunhuang City, northwest China's Gansu Province, a special grand concert at Yueya Spring, a crescent-shaped lake surrounded by giant sand dunes, has become a major attraction during the ongoing five-day May Day holiday. Over 10,000 tourists gathered under the star in the vast desert, waving glow sticks and flashlights, and synchronized with a light show, to experience an unforgettable cultural feast blending music and starlight.

"This is our first visit to the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Yueya Spring Scenic Area, and we happened to catch the grand chorus. I'm so happy. The atmosphere of singing together is fantastic," said Hao Ye, a tourist from northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

"The atmosphere is fantastic, and I feel like I've reached a whole new level of experience," said Li Xinyu, a tourist from east China's Shandong Province.

The grand concert, launched in 2023, has quickly become a hit among visitors and is now an annual feature during the peak tourist season, drawing large crowds year after year.

Unique tourism experiences across China captivate visitors during May Day Holiday

Local residents spontaneously helped each other to overcome the difficulties after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela.

A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 920 people and trapping many under the rubble. The quakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, hit central Venezuela less than a minute apart, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

International aids are pouring in for the disaster-hit South American country while rescuers have been searching through collapsed buildings to find survivors.

On Friday evening local time, large number of vehicles carrying rescue personnel and relief materials caused traffic congestions on roads as they flooded into the state of La Guaira state, the hardest-hit state of the country.

Many of the vehicles were loaded with relief supplies such as drinking water and food, while others were filled with daily necessities such as mattresses and furniture.

The town of Katia Lamar, one of the worst-hit areas in the state, remains out of power, with a pungent odor lingering in the air. Some local residents have spontaneously participated in disaster relief efforts.

"We are currently doing community service, helping those who need it most. We are all doing this voluntarily, and everything we do comes from our hearts. Many people need us right now, and Venezuela needs greater unity," said Hector, a resident who volunteered for disaster relief.

"People brought a lot of help, including food, diapers, medicine, drinking water, juice, drinks, as well as candy and baby food for the children," said an affected resident.

As the earthquakes destroyed residential buildings, many residents had no choice but to rest and spend the night in nearby open spaces.

"We'll rest here tonight and keep an eye on our belongings. These are things we managed to salvage from the apartment, some in relatively good condition," said a resident.

Venezuelans volunteer to help fellow residents after deadly earthquakes