Most of us get to enjoy a much appreciated lie in this Monday, May 2nd, thanks to Labour Day, an annual holiday observed around the world to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. Although Labour Day was previously a seven day holiday in China and considered one of the “golden weeks” for travel, this year we have to make do with just one extra day added onto our usual weekend. But nobody’s complaining; not with so many major events happening all across China this weekend! There is of course the opening of the World Expo in Shanghai, the Midi and Strawberry rock festivals in Beijing, Zebra Music Festival in Chengdu, the Dabei Temple Fair in Tianjin and much more. Here’s a round-down of what’s going on in various cities across China this national holiday weekend.

Beijing
The two most talked about events kicking off this weekend in the capital are the Midi Music Festival and Strawberry Music Festival. Both take place at the same time, and both feature a great line-up of national and international bands. Also kicking off this weekend is Art Beijing Contemporary Art Fair and Photo Beijing at the National Agriculture Exhibition Center, a great opportunity to see what’s happening in the international art scene. The 2010 Meet in Beijing Arts Festival kicks off on April 30th with a performance of The Pharaoh’s Daughter by the world famous Bolshoi Ballet. Major live music venue D22 celebrates its 4th anniversary this weekend with a series of concerts by such iconic Chinese bands as Carsick Cars and P.K.14. A vast collection of photographs by some of the most reputed photographers in the world are on view at various galleries in Caochangdi as part of the 2010 PhotoSpring Festival. Those into cars can see drool over the vehicles on display at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in Shunyi. Food lovers can avail of discounts at some of Beijing’s most famous restaurants over the weekend as part of the 2010 Beijing International Food Festival. And fans of nature can admire the swathes of fragrant mountain flowers at the Mountain Flower Festival. More events taking place this weekend can be found in our events listings.

Shanghai
The mother of all events in the world this year kicks off in Shanghai this weekend – it is of course the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. However, since tickets for the opening ceremony and the first three days were near to impossible to come by, the good news is that people in Shanghai on Friday, May 30th can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display that is expected to be bigger and better than the one at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The Expo goes online for the first time which means you can enjoy the splendor of the Expo from the comfort of your home. Another option this weekend is taking the newly launched ferry cruise along the Suzhou River.

Fans of nature should use this weekend to check out the brand new Chenshan Botanical Garden this weekend – contact with various exotic plants never goes astray. And if that’s not enough to fulfill you cravings for nature, why not visit the Shanghai Flower Show at the Shanghai Botanical Gardens!

On a different note, in a move that has surprised and delighted everyone in Shanghai, the experimental stage of the Midi Festival – Mini Midi, comes to Shanghai this weekend. Fans of classical music can check out a splendid array of concerts by some of the world’s top performers and conductors as part of the 2010 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival – see events here. The Shanghai Folk Culture Exhibition Centre opened recently with great exhibits showcasing China’s great folk art. Situated only 800 metres from the Expo site, this may be a good choice for feeling the Expo buzz but not battling the epic crowds. No matter where you go this weekend in Shanghai, don’t forget to get yourself a one-day metro pass for convenient travel across the city.

Guangzhou
The spotlight may be on the opening ceremony of the World Expo in Shanghai this weekend, but that’s not say people in Guangzhou can’t have fun in their own city during the Labour Day weekend. Sixty years of sketches from the Central Academy of Art are on display at the Guangzhou Art Museum. A collection of Indian art and photography goes on display at Goelia Gallery this weekend. Also opening on May 1st is a photography exhibition by Dennis Lee, and an experimental art installation at Ping Pong Space.

Fans of punk can rock to Smegma Riot, a highly energetic Italian punk band. And metal fans can get a taste of the noise coming from Guangzhou’s underground at Tekkwun this weekend.

Shenzhen
A series of city tours for Shenzhen residents have been launched as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Shenzhen. Why not hop on a tour bus and enjoy the sights Shenzhen has to offer. For something more quirky and original, browse the T-Street Creative Market from May 1-2nd.

Tianjin
It may be tempting to leave Tianjin and head for Beijing during the May holidays, but if you do decide to stick around then make sure to check out the 3rd Tianjin Dabei Temple Fair taking place throughout the weekend. With more time on your hands for sightseeing this weekend, why not do the outrageous and take a tour bus around Tianjin’s attractions? Alternatively, browse the Tianjin Antique Market or embark on a shopping adventure along Binjiang Dao.

Chengdu
The place to be in Chengdu this weekend is without a doubt the 2010 Zebra Music Festival. Check out the schedule here.

Kunming
This weekend is your chance to enjoy the carnival lifestyle in Kunming. From May 1st to 3rd, the 11th China (Kunming) International Culture & Tourism Festival (Kunming Carnival) kicks off with lots of fun activities and a very special Brazilian flavour this year.

Guilin
One of the best ways of taking in Guilin’s breath-taking natural beauty is by taking a river ferry along the Li River. Well, the good news is that the one-day ferry cruise has reinstated several tour routes along the river just in time for the national holiday!

Staying with the theme of water, another excellent option for all you water-rats out there is the newly opened Liu Sanjie Waterworld in Maling Town outside Guilin.

Nanning
The 3rd Shuijie food festival has kicked off in Nanning, which means residents and visitors get to taste a delicious range of food. Treat yourself to a culinary adventure this Labour Day holiday. Another option for passing the long weekend is a visit to the Guangxi Museum, where an impressive collection of Jingdezhen porcelain is on display.

Taiyuan
Amazing archaeological findings from the ancient Shu State are currently on display at Shanxi Museum, but hurry! The exhibition ends on May 9th so use this extended weekend as a chance to catch a glimpse these significant artifacts.

Xi’an
Xi’an is known for its longstanding history and rich culture, but since the end of April, getting to know this city’s amazing past has just gotten easier. If you haven’t done so already, then use this weekend to check out the newly opened Datang West City Museum. On a different note, the 8th Annual Tulip Festival is running until May 7th, meaning this weekend is the perfect time to fuel your eyes with colour and your digital camera with beautiful flower photos.

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.