Ancient Chinese City of Dali to Charge Small Entry Fee

Dali

The city of Dali is located in southwest China’s Yunnan province; an ancient capital, it flourished in the 8th and 9th centuries under the Kingdom of Dali (937-1253).

Today, its beautiful natural scenery, historic and cultural significance, and close proximity to Kunming make it a popular tourist destination. 

Starting September of this year, tourists visiting the city through a travel agent will be charged a small entrance fee (30 yuan, less than $5) in order to help with city maintenance costs. 

However, individual travellers visiting on their own will be able to enter free of charge (though some specific scenic spots within the city may still charge a nominal entry fee). 

The city has a history of more than 1,200 years and more than five million tourists visited last year; with this age, as well as amount of visitation, comes the need for public infrastructure, city maintenance, and ancient building renovation, which the small entrance fee will help cover.