The five-day International Labor Day holiday (May 1–5) is here, and Guangzhou's top malls and districts are rolling out a feast of exclusive launches, pop-ups, free experiences, pet-friendly fun, and instant departure tax refunds for international visitors.
Whether you're here for shopping, coffee, art, or family time, this guide covers the best spots to hit.
1. Instant Departure Tax Refund
Guangzhou's first centralized instant departure tax refund hub is located in the Parc Central. After making eligible purchases at any tax-free store in Guangzhou during the May Day holiday, overseas visitors can process up to 9% refunds at the centralized instant departure tax refund hub, with cash instantly available for reuse.
Also, until May 5, the 139th Canton Fair exhibitors/buyers can receive Parc Central Gold Membership + multi-brand discounts with their badge.
Location: Parc Central (No. 218 Tianhe Road)
2. Bread Festival (April 30–May 3, 12 PM–8 PM)
130+ bakeries, coffee, and dessert brands from 28 Chinese cities, including 11 national fan favorites and 50+ Guangzhou debuts to satisfy your taste buds during the May Day holiday.
Five themed zones from Matcha, Frozen Treats, Northern China Flavors to Artisan Breads and Pet Pet Park (pet-friendly zone) cater to every imagination you have about bread. There are also collecting games and random gifts given out.
Location: Teemall (No. 208 Tianhe Road)
3. Sanrio Pop-up (April 30–Jun 1)
Kirimi-chan (Salmon Slice Girl) and Hangyodon (Half-Fish Man) of Sanrio will make their first-ever crossover in Guangzhou during the May Day holiday, offering a seafood-market-themed pop-up with shelves, price tags, shopping cart installations, and photo walls, which allow fun interaction and are perfect for Instagram posts.
Location: Teemall (No. 208 Tianhe Road)
4. Art Space of Illustration Rhapsody
Art exhibitions and the illustration market will cool your mind and provide an artistic space full of imagination and resonance for your holiday.
The themed photo area, featuring 7-Up's classic spokesperson image, let you become the coolest one on Instagram. The Guangzhou Illustration Art Exhibition: "After Humans Stop Dreaming..." showcases works by renowned illustrators from South Korea, Australia, and Japan, letting you wander through the world of art.
In addition, there is an illustration market where 60 Chinese local illustrators personally set up stalls during the May Day holiday to display and sell their representative works. If you are lucky, you may own the private works of your favorite artists at unexpected prices!
Location: Guangzhou K11 (No. 218 Tianhe Road)
5. Family‑Friendly Fun
Want to get up close and personal with nature during the holiday? You can make it happen right in downtown Guangzhou! During the holiday, daily circus shows with close-up magic, grand illusions, and clown acts will offer you a perfect experience for parent-child interaction.
A new 25-meter jellyfish corridor (The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's longest) will debut with 10+ rare species to drive up your adrenaline and offer you a perfect escape from the city and a dreamlike ocean kingdom experience.
Location: Grandview Mall (No. 228 Tianhe Road)
6. Guangzhou Coffee Culture Festival
This May Day holiday, you don't have to travel far; come to the Guangzhou Coffee Culture Festival to embrace the aroma of coffee from around the world!
This grand coffee event gathers premium coffee brands from 13 countries and 43 cities. Without leaving Guangzhou, you can taste 40 fine coffees from core global producing areas such as Brazil and Colombia, and enjoy the exclusive comfort of free coffee cupping.
Here, you can not only immerse yourself in the cross-border collision of coffee with jazz and fashion shows, but also meet local artists at the illustration market. What's more, you can enjoy exclusive discounts in shopping districts across the city with just one ticket stub, letting the rich coffee aroma wrap your holiday time, and understand the warmth and romance of Guangzhou in the mellow taste on your tongue and the relaxation of your body and mind.
Location: Tianhe Sports Center, No. 299 Tianhe Road
Time: May 1–5, 11 AM–9 PM (last entry 7 PM)
Admission: ¥8/person; free for kids ≤12 (ID required)
7. Pet‑Friendly Guide for May Day Holiday
Teemall: Pet Pet Park at the Bread Festival, pets welcome, free pet gifts available.
Grandview Mall: 190+ pet‑friendly stores; pet stroller rental, waste bags, water stations, and “dog parking” spots. Let's go to the Dog Talent Party on May 2.
Parc Central: Pet-themed outdoor installations through June; 60+ pet-friendly shops.
Text | South Reporter Huang Xinyi, Intern Zeng Zhuorui
Photo | South Reporter Huang Xinyi, Provided to the South by the Aforementioned Shopping Malls
