New regulations for mainland scenic spots: Ticket sales to stop when visitor numbers reach 80% of capacity

▲ The number of visitors to the Forbidden City in Beijing has increased year after year. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

A deadly stampede occurred on Shanghai’s Bund on New Year’s Eve, resulting in 36 deaths and 47 injuries. To prevent such tragedies from recurring, China’s National Tourism Administration issued new regulations on the 9th, stipulating that ticket sales at scenic areas must be immediately halted and warnings issued when visitor numbers reach 80% of maximum capacity. These regulations will take effect on April 1.

Accordingto the Beijing News, China’s National Tourism Administration, in light of the Shanghai stampede tragedy, has set specific requirements for scenic areas. The “Guidelines for Determining Maximum Carrying Capacity of Scenic Areas,” released on the 9th, state that when visitor numbers in a scenic area reach 80% of maximum capacity, the information should be publicly announced and reported to local government authorities. At the same time, the scenic area must immediately stop selling tickets and issue public alerts. Traffic and police departments are also required to monitor traffic flow at peripheral entrances to the scenic area and major transportation hubs, and manage crowd guidance, diversion, and interception around the scenic site.

%The tragic incident occurred when the Bund reached maximum capacity during New Year's celebrations. (#strong)