If you are staying in town and looking for adventure during the May Day holiday, activities far and wide are easily found. Roving reporter Fan Meijing offers a few suggestions.

Yangshan Deep-Water Port bus tours for the public 　　

It was a windy day when we arrived at Lingang, the New Area linked to the Yangshan Deep-Water Port by the new 32.5-kilometer Donghai Bridge. 　　

Rows of identical pink-walled buildings have been built around Lingang's main square, highlighted by a bubbling fountain, green lawns and blossoming flowers. 　　

Such esthetics added sparkle to the otherwise solemn transport center created to cater for the shipping industry at the port. 　　

I was informed that soon, these currently-empty buildings will be crowded with businesses, restaurants and all kinds of shops to serve office staff and tourists. 　　

It was then on to the tour bus for a drive across Donghai Bridge. Looking out at the bus windows there were no ships or industrial facilities visible, just the giant waves of the East China Sea, seemingly rising to join the gray sky. Dense fog was to blame for our limited view. On a sunny day, the 20-minute, across-the-sea drive would undoubtedly be more cheerful and fruitful. 　　

Yangshan Port, built on two small islands and opened for business in October, is by no means a traditional tourist destination. Rich natural beauty or historical heritage was not part of this trip. I went there simply because I had heard about it many times - China's first bonded port. The area, approved by the State Council, is envisioned to further strengthen Shanghai's importance in the international shipping industry. To pay a visit somehow seemed compulsory. 　　

The only scenic site was an observatory overlooking both the sea, and in the distance, the numerous colorful containers being hoisted on and off trucks and the ships. On the observation platform, trees and flowers have been planted, and monuments and modern sculptures tell of the port's glorious story. 　

Now, at least, I understand the exact meaning of the word "deep-water port." 　

It should be noted that only 1,500 tourists are allowed to enter the port daily so as not to disturb the regular operations. Visits must be organized by licensed agencies and booked in advance. Driving on your own is not allowed. 　　　

Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm 　　
Price: 60 yuan (round trip) (US$7.5) from downtown Shanghai, 35 yuan from Lingang New Area, Nanhui District Reservation hotlines: 　　
Shanghai Tour Bus Center: 6481-1329 (group), 6426-5555 　　
Shanghai Industrial Tourism Center: 5465-7798 　　
Nanhui Tourist Service Center: 6801-9541, 5802-2783