The May Day holiday will be celebrated with a 3-day weekend, from Saturday. It coincides with the opening of the World Expo and travel agents say most people are choosing to take a short-trip to Shanghai.

The warmer weather arrived later than usual this year. And for many, the May-day holiday will be the first chance they've had to enjoy Spring.

Tian Ling, General Manager, CYTS, said, "Most people are taking a short-haul trip to fit into the three days. Because of World Expo, travel to areas around Shanghai is very popular."

Tourism bureaus in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, are capitalizing on their proximity to Shanghai. They're promoting tens of sight-seeing trips.

But travel destinations, like Sanya, Jiuzhaigou, Qingdao and Xi'an, are also popular even though they're further away.

Tian Ling, General Manager, CYTS, said, "Prices of domestic travel packages are mostly the same as last year. But expect rises in areas around Shanghai."

The demand in and around Shanghai has pushed prices up, for flights and accommodation.

Most tour packages are already fully booked, except some to Thailand.

Meanwhile, travel has resumed to Europe after the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano dissipated.

Cruise ships to Japan and South Korea are becoming more popular, out of China. Half a dozen depart from Shanghai every month.

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