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Explore the beautiful green spaces of May Day Park, enjoy leisurely walks, visit the large lake, or relax by the lush gardens. The park is great for picnics, outdoor exercises, and taking in the natural scenery. It's also a good place for photography, especially around the lake and floral areas.
In 2002, the Zhengzhou Municipal People's Government invested in the transformation of the western section of the Henan Workers' Cultural Palace into a park, commonly known as "May Day Park" by locals. The park, located at 125 Jianshe West Road in a bustling urban area, boasts an elegant environment and covers an area of 50,000 square meters. It is particularly renowned for its diverse cultural activities. Every day, large numbers of residents attend or watch performances of opera, singing, and dancing, creating a rich cultural atmosphere.
In recent years, the Cultural Palace has proposed a working approach of changing "letting the masses adapt to management" to "letting management serve the masses", and has introduced a number of convenient services. It has won praise from citizens with its high-quality services, and its management level is at the leading level among municipal parks and squares.
The public outcry and media attention prompted the government to consider the future of the Provincial Workers' Cultural Palace. The decision was made to renovate it, transforming it into a haven for the public. The renovation was carried out in two phases. In 2000, the Zhengzhou Municipal Government decided to redevelop 75 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of land east of the palace's central axis to restore its sports functions. Construction began in May 2000 and was completed by the end of September 2000.
With its temperate monsoon climate, May Day Park has become a relatively comprehensive venue for mass cultural and entertainment activities, suitable for travel in all seasons.
The park boasts approximately 12,000 square meters of green space and features a 2,000-seat outdoor plastic-lit basketball court, two standard basketball training courts, 13 three-a-side basketball courts, two standard gateball courts, an ice rink, billiards courts, 12 ping-pong tables, a standard turf soccer field, and a 400-meter standard track and field track. The center has imported fully automatic sprinkler irrigation systems from the United States, laid a cobblestone fitness path, equipped with 91 pieces of fitness equipment, and constructed and installed lighting. The completion and opening of the Provincial Workers' Cultural Palace Sports Center has addressed the severe shortage of sports venues in Zhengzhou's western district, becoming a key hub for national fitness, various competitions, and amateur training.
Recommended 1-day tour
free
Open all day
May Day Park, named to commemorate the Labor Day holiday, is a popular public space in Zhengzhou. It serves as a recreational area for locals and visitors, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical significance linked to its creation during the early years of the People's Republic of China.
May Day Park is located in the heart of Zhengzhou, Henan. It's easily accessible by taxi, bus, and metro. The nearest metro station is May Day Park Station, which is just a short walk from the park entrance.
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to visit, especially to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cooler weather.
There is no entrance fee for May Day Park; it is free to visit. You can simply walk in without the need for tickets.
No tickets are needed, as the park is free to enter. No advance booking is necessary.
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the park, depending on how much time you spend at different areas like the lake, gardens, or walking paths.
The must-see highlights include the serene lake, the lush green gardens, and the scenic walking paths. There are also beautiful floral displays and an open space for relaxation.
Guided tours are not commonly available, but visitors can explore the park on their own. There are no audio guides, but informational signs in both Chinese and English are available.
The best viewpoints are near the lake, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the lighting is perfect for photographs. The flowerbeds and tree-lined paths also offer excellent spots for photos.
Start by walking around the lake, then explore the central gardens and walking paths. End by relaxing in one of the many rest areas to enjoy the tranquility.
Night visits are possible, as the park is open until 9:00 PM. The park is beautifully lit up in the evening, offering a peaceful atmosphere, though there are no light shows or special tours.
The park can get busy on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the early morning or late evening, are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and drinking water stations are available throughout the park. There are no large food stalls, but some small kiosks offer snacks and drinks.
Yes, the park is generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. There are paved paths for easy walking, and there are benches for resting along the way.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at kiosks, but cash is also widely used for small purchases. No tickets are needed for entry, as it’s a free park.
There are no major restaurants or cafes inside the park, but several dining options are available around the surrounding area, including local Chinese eateries and international fast food chains.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but halal food options may be more limited. It's recommended to ask for vegetarian options when dining in local eateries.
There are several hotels within walking distance of May Day Park, including mid-range options like the Zhengzhou Yuda International Hotel and budget-friendly choices around the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Zhengzhou Museum, the Henan Provincial Museum, and the Yellow Emperor's Hometown. These can easily be combined with a visit to May Day Park for a full day of sightseeing.
There are no souvenir shops inside the park, but nearby areas offer traditional Chinese souvenirs, such as tea, crafts, and local delicacies.
After visiting, taxis and buses are available for further travel around Zhengzhou. The city metro is also an excellent option for getting to other major attractions quickly.
