I headed out during one of the busiest holidays in the country and honestly—nothing could’ve prepared me for this.
From packed streets and non-stop energy to the sheer scale of it all, this is what Labour Day in China really looks like. Millions of people travelling, shopping, eating, and celebrating all at once… it’s chaos, but in the most fascinating way.
If you’ve ever wondered what China is like during peak holiday season — this is it.
April 2026 | Vlog 610 | Guangzhou, China
Reanne & Ben brave China's Labour Day chaos in Shenzhen, exploring packed malls, a burger festival, drone deliveries, and a stunning light show.
Reanne & Ben experience the absolute madness of China's Labour Day holiday in Shenzhen, from the calm before the storm in the CBD to the chaotic crowds at Upper Hills Mall and a bustling burger festival in Bijiashan Park. Highlights include drone deliveries, a vintage luxury thrift store, and a spectacular light show at Talent Park — all while navigating the busiest travel day in the country.
I headed out during one of the busiest holidays in the country and honestly—nothing could’ve prepared me for this. From packed streets and non-stop energy to the sheer scale of it all, this is what Labour Day in China really looks like. Millions of people travelling, shopping, eating, and...
Shenzhen Labour Day Chaos: Crowds, Burgers & Light Show
This video throws you straight into the heart of China's Labour Day chaos. With millions on the move, the streets of Guangzhou become an exhilarating avalanche of people, food, and non-stop energy. It's controlled pandemonium at its finest, and absolutely unmissable for anyone curious about China's wildest holiday.
Attractions in this video: Upper Hills Mall, Bijiashan Sports Park, Talent Park, Nantou Ancient Town
<p>Reanne & Ben are in Shenzhen during China's Labour Day holiday, arguably the busiest day of the year. They start by showing a stark contrast: the Shenzhen CBD is eerily quiet because most migrant workers have returned to their hometowns. This calm before the storm is a deliberate choice to highlight the city's unique character.</p><p>They head to the lively Futian district, specifically Upper Hills Mall. This destination is a favorite, blending a shopping mall with a park-like atmosphere. The place is absolutely heaving. Their first mission is to find a portable charger for Ben's dying phone, a near-catastrophe in a cashless society. Reanne successfully retrieves one, then explores the colorful rooftop, noting how busy every café and shop is. They observe that in China, you can sit anywhere without buying anything, which adds to the crowded feeling.</p><p>The travelers then navigate to Bijiashan Sports Park for a temporary burger festival. This is a highlight, featuring independent burger vendors from across China, along with international food stalls. The variety is impressive, and the crowds are intense. Reanne buys a Tsingdao craft beer with a jasmine aroma while Ben scouts the food options. They chat with local vendors and get recognized by fans, adding to the friendly chaos. They eventually settle on a Black Angus beef burger recommended by a local vendor, noting it's both the best and the cheapest. They marveling at the chefs' calm, precise cooking under pressure — a common sight in China's open kitchens.</p><p>After the meal, they venture to a legendary secondhand luxury goods store, ZR. The experience is surreal: shoppers must wear gloves and use an app to scan QR codes for pricing and authentication. Reanne is thrilled, hunting for a vintage Chanel bag, while Ben quickly loses patience. They then stumble upon the drone delivery station for McDonald's and KFC, which attracts a crowd.</p><p>As night falls, they head to Talent Park for a supposed drone show. The streets are gridlocked with people, and police are managing traffic. After a mad dash through the crowd, they realize the event is actually a light show. The buildings around them sync up in a spectacular display, projecting images of workers to celebrate Labour Day. Exhausted but exhilarated, they opt for a 30-minute walk and a cheap bike ride home, remarking on how Shenzhen seamlessly blends futuristic skyscrapers with green parks. The day ends with them feeling sweaty, happy, and full of admiration for China's energetic, chaotic holiday spirit.</p>
