Nighttime cultural tourism has turned Guangfu Ancient City in Handan, north China's Hebei Province, into a May Day holiday hotspot, blending light technology with traditional performances.
The May Day holiday, which runs from May 1 to 5, has fueled a nationwide surge in tourism, with Guangfu Ancient City drawing crowds eager for immersive night tours.
As night fell, the 2,600-year-old ancient city came alive with radiant illumination. Along the hundred-meter-wide moat encircling the historic site, tourists boarded traditional painted pleasure boats to watch enchanting Tai Chi martial arts performances on the water, experiencing the charm of traditional culture amid dazzling light shows.
"The night view of the ancient city is truly breathtaking. It's absolutely a visual feast," said Han Xing, a tourist.
At the other end of the moat, thrilling water-jet pack stunt shows dazzled crowds, alternating with spectacular folk performances such as datiehua, the centuries-old art of hurling molten iron into the sky to create cascading fireworks.
In the ancient streets and alleys, activities including elegant traditional costume parades and live performances of classical Chinese music filled the air with melodic rhythms and cultural charm.
This fusion of tradition and modernity has not only enriched nighttime tourism offerings, but also catered to the diverse preferences of holidaymakers.
"Every step reveals a new scene, and the light displays are spectacular. It feels like traveling through time and space," said Hao Lu, another tourist.
During the five-day break, the scenic area welcomed an average of over 100,000 tourist arrivals per day, driving robust sales growth for surrounding restaurants, boutique hotels, and cultural and creative product vendors.
Ancient scenic spot comes alive with nighttime cultural tours for May Day holiday
