2026 May Day Holiday: China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism Issues Travel Tips for Safe and Civilized Trips

As the 2026 May Day holiday approaches, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has released a set of comprehensive travel reminders to ensure tourists enjoy a safe, orderly and pleasant vacation. The guidelines, issued via Wenlv Zhisheng WeChat Official Account, cover travel planning, safety awareness, flood and fire prevention, as well as civilized and green travel.

Tourists are advised to make thorough travel plans in advance, the ministry said. They should pay close attention to weather conditions in both transit and destination areas, check the opening hours of scenic spots and ticket booking requirements during the holiday, and prepare necessary items and commonly used medicines. Choosing an appropriate mode of transportation, arranging reasonable travel routes and schedules are also highlighted.

When selecting travel services, tourists are urged to choose qualified travel agencies, sign standardized travel contracts, and be cautious of travel products with prices significantly lower than the market average to avoid poor service quality. Undeveloped and unsafe areas are not recommended for visits. For outbound travelers, close attention to the safety situation and relevant precautions of their destinations is required, and high-risk regions should be avoided.

“Safety is the top priority for any trip,” said Li Ming, an official from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Tourism Market Regulation Department. “For self-driving tourists, checking vehicle conditions in advance and abiding by traffic rules, such as not overloading or driving after drinking, is essential. All passengers should fasten their seat belts throughout the journey, whether traveling by motor vehicle or public transport.”

The ministry also reminded tourists to wear life jackets as required when taking sightseeing boats. Those who intend to participate in high-risk activities, including high-altitude, high-speed, water-based, diving and adventure projects, should fully understand potential risks, consciously follow safety operating standards and listen to the guidance of staff, avoiding behaviors that may endanger themselves and others.

Flood and fire prevention measures are another key part of the reminders. Tourists should closely monitor meteorological and traffic warnings and not take unnecessary risks. When activities are carried out in mountainous areas or river valleys, they need to be alert to safety hazards such as landslides, falling rocks and mudslides, and master emergency avoidance knowledge.

When checking into hotels, tourists are advised to take the initiative to familiarize themselves with fire evacuation routes, not smoke while lying on sofas or beds, and pay attention to electricity safety. During outdoor activities, fire prevention and disaster avoidance should be taken seriously; tourists must strictly abide by all forest fire prevention regulations and not smoke, barbecue or use open flames in flammable areas or places with fire prevention prompts.

Civilized and green travel is also emphasized. Tourists should comply with laws, regulations and public morality. When visiting scenic spots, they are expected to be polite, queue up consciously, visit in order, avoid loud talking, crowding and scrambling. Protecting the public environment and cultural relics is required, including not littering or scribbling on scenic spots.

When participating in festival activities, tourists should respect local customs and be civilized and disciplined. The ministry also calls for civilized dining, opposing waste, practicing the “Clear Your Plate” campaign and advocating low-carbon, economical and green travel.

With the May Day holiday being a peak travel period, the ministry hopes these reminders will help tourists have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.