Hangzhou May Day Holiday market guide: 10 must-visit spots

The May Day holiday is here. Where are you planning to go?

All kinds of fun markets are popping up across Hangzhou. From pet-friendly parties to matcha dessert festivals, and from trendy toys and fragrance fairs to anime and pop culture spaces, you can enjoy a rich and diverse holiday without even leaving the city.

This May Day market guide brings together 10 great spots in Hangzhou for shopping, food, and fun.

1. Bigwa Life Fest Market Festival

The popular Bigwa Life Fest Market is coming to Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” for the first time, bringing together 190+ vendors from over 30 cities. You’ll find original handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and niche designer goods. There are also free hands-on workshops and limited-edition merchandise activities on-site, making it a must-visit market for trend lovers.

• Time: May 1 – May 5
• Location: Outdoor area, LG floor of the “Big Lotus” (Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium)
• Tickets: Free entry (pay for your own purchases)

2. Hangzhou Joy Party Market

This is a holiday market full of relaxation, stress relief, and interactive fun. Activities like bead-building challenges, random dance sessions, and open-air karaoke will be happening throughout the event. Whether you’re an “E person” or an “I person,” you’ll definitely find your own way to have fun here.

• Time: May 1 – May 5, 10:00–20:00
• Location: Plaza of Building A, Hangzhou Jie Bai Department Store, No.251 Jiefang Road

3.West Lake First Matcha Dessert Festival

This special event celebrates the 18th anniversary of Intime Department Store Hangzhou West Lake branch, turning it into a matcha-themed dessert market. There will be 5,000 free pieces of bread, a wide variety of matcha desserts, interactive challenges, and even different levels of matcha tasting experiences. Special gifts for visitors in Hangzhou are also available, including free milk tea, taxi vouchers, and shopping discounts.

• Time: April 30 – May 5
• Location: Entrance of Hangzhou West Lake Intime
• Tickets: Free entry

4.Tao Burger Festival

A gathering spot for popular burger brands from across China, featuring viral burgers and creative new flavors all in one place. There will also be special free burger giveaways during the event.

• Time: April 30 – May 5, 11:00–20:00
• Location: Lixiang Street Area, Hangzhou Chengbei MixC
• Tickets: Free entry

5.“Never Smell Before” Fragrance Festival

An immersive fragrance-themed market bringing together international perfume brands and art installations. It features niche perfumes, home fragrances, and limited-edition collections. There will also be perfume-making workshops and fragrance sharing sessions on site.

• Time: April 28 – July 26
• Location: Minxin Road, MixC
• Tickets: Free entry (some experiences are chargeable)

6.Qingzhu · Tea & Handmade Market

A handmade market inspired by Eastern aesthetics, bringing together tea utensils, ceramics, metalwork, bamboo weaving, and other craft pieces. Visitors can also join tea sessions and handmade craft exchange activities on site.

• Time: May 1 – May 4
• Location: OōEli (Tianmuli)
• Tickets: Free entry

7.Pets· Spring Inspiration Season (Pet Carnival)

A large-scale pet-themed event in Hangzhou, combining pet exhibitions, runway shows, cycling activities, concerts, and exotic pet experiences. The event connects four locations—Qiantao Garden, DeShou Palace, Hangzhou Fashion Center, and Hubin—along with professional pet-friendly facilities and services.

• Time: April 18 – May 5
• Location: Multi-site event including Qiantao Garden, Gaoting Mountain area
• Tickets: Free entry (some activities may require additional fees)

8.“Take Care of Yourself” Traditional Chinese Wellness Market

A wellness-focused market designed for young people, featuring activities like Baduanjin (a traditional fitness exercise), mugwort craft workshops, and interactive traditional medicine experiences. It offers a relaxed and easy way to explore traditional Chinese wellness culture.

• Time: April 24 – May 10
• Location: Chahua Alley, L1, Longfor Paradise Walk, Hangzhou Shangcheng (Exit A, Jingshahu Station, Metroline 1)

9.Fluffy Holiday Pet Lifestyle Festival

A pet-themed market featuring interactive games for pets, brand booths, charity adoption activities, and even a “pet matchmaking corner.” It’s a perfect holiday event for visitors who want to bring their pets along and enjoy the day together.

• Time: April 30 – May 5
• Location: Outdoor Plaza, Asian Games Mixc World
• Tickets: Free entry

10.Hangzhou CP32 Comic Expo

A large-scale anime and pop culture convention featuring popular IPs, traditional Chinese-inspired creations, fan-made works, and merchandise markets. It’s a must-visit event for anime and gaming fans looking for a fun holiday check-in spot.

• Time: May 1 – May 5
• Location: Hangzhou Grand Convention & Exhibition Center
• Tickets: Paid entry required

Image source: LehuoHangzhou

Journalist: Fang Boyi

Editor: Chen Miaolin

Senior editor: Zhou Ji, Li Zheng

Source: Hangzhoufeel