China to Develop Integrated Tourism and Lower Ticket Prices

China

On March 5, China’s State Council Premier Li Keqiang delivered the 2018 Report on the Work of the Government at the First Session of the 13th National People’s Congress of China. In the government report, Li vows to “create integrated tourism demonstration zones, and lower ticket prices at key state (state-owned) tourist sites.”

The two call-to-actions compliment each other for the goal of improving travel experiences in China. For the inbound visitors to China, integrated tourism means a wholesome experience to destinations in China in and outside of the “tourist traps”; and lower ticket prices will encourage budget travelers to spend more on enjoying the local lifestyle and activities.

Following the vow of Premier Li, the renowned Xishuangbanna scenic site in Southwest China’s Yunnan province has just announced it will be free for locals, which is the first of its kind in China and sets a good example for others to follow.

The ticket prices of tourist sites vary significantly in different regions of China. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in China’s capital Beijing currently charges 60 RMB (less than 10 USD) for peak-season entry, while another equally famous UNESCO world heritage site, Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan, China’s mid-west area, charges 300 RMB (approximately 48 USD) for entry.

*China National Tourist Office  www.cnto.org/