Cultural, tourism programs enrich China’s May Day holiday travel

Destinations across China have rolled out a variety of cultural and tourism programs for the five-day May Day holiday, which started on Friday, as travelers embrace both short suburban getaways and long-distance trips.

In Jiangxi Province, Shangrao has launched a sightseeing train linking scenic destinations including Mount Sanqing and Mount Guifeng, the latter recognized by UNESCO for its striking Danxia landform.

On board, eight themed settings -- ranging from parent-child interaction to study tours and leisure gatherings -- offer travelers new ways to enjoy the ride.

"This train is truly unique. Through the windows we can see green mountains and clear waters, and every carriage brings a new surprise. The overall experience is exceptionally good," said Xu Pei, a passenger.

"I have never traveled like this before. Every time I travel in China by train I will find a different China," said Elhadi, a tourist from Sudan.

In Zhejiang Province, a 2.2-kilometer sightseeing train along the Nantiao Creek in Hangzhou's Yuhang District has become a popular holiday choice. The route makes use of existing railway facilities and local water resources to create a distinctive travel experience.

"Rail trips for spring outings and trendy May Day activities have led to a noticeable increase in visitor traffic, injecting new vitality into the countryside," said Tang Hongbin, an official in charge of boosting local rural tourism.

In Shanxi Province, a camping site in Shouyang County has provided holidaymakers with a lively atmosphere.

In Beijing's Shijingshan District, the renovated Shougang Park staged a series of cultural events during the holiday.

A music carnival brought in bands to perform, while large interactive art installations transformed the century-old industrial site into a new landmark.

Cultural, tourism programs enrich China’s May Day holiday travel

Iran's mission to the United Nations on Saturday described the United States as "extremely shameful" for its non-compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

"For 56 years, the U.S.-- possessor of thousands of nuclear warheads and the No. 1 proliferator of such weapons -- has been in clear non-compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament obligations under Articles I and VI of the NPT," said the mission in a post on social media platform X.

The mission said the U.S. should not be given any cover for its outrageous and hypocritical behavior.

Legally, there is no restriction on the level of uranium enrichment, so long as it is conducted under the IAEA’s supervision, as was the case with Iran, it said.

The NPT, signed in 1968 and effective since March 5, 1970, is the only treaty that contains legally binding commitments to pursuing nuclear disarmament. A total of 191 states have joined the treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon states, making the NPT the most widely adhered to multilateral disarmament agreement.

According to the NPT, a review conference is held every five years to assess the treaty's implementation.

Iran's UN mission criticizes US non-compliance with NPT as 'extremely shameful'