U.S. federal government announces shutdown; Yosemite and Statue of Liberty temporarily closed

▲ California’s Yosemite Park celebrated its 123rd birthday this year, with its dazzling lakes shining like sapphires. (Photo provided by netizen Rita)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The White House announced on October 1 that due to the failure to pass the budget bill, certain federal government agencies would be partially shut down starting that day. Major state attractions under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, such as museums and national parks, were the first to be affected. Due to a lack of operating funds to pay staff salaries, these sites began ceasing public access from October 1.

Washington D.C., the capital, becomes the hardest-hit tourist destination

Washington D.C., the U.S. capital, is home to many important federally managed tourist attractions, such as the iconic Washington Monument and the National Zoo and Natural History Museum under the Smithsonian Institution — all popular destinations for visitors. Now, facing the government shutdown, these sites have posted notices on their official websites stating: “Due to the federal government shutdown, the park/museum is also closed to the public, and all activities within are canceled.” Visitors arriving full of anticipation have had to leave disappointed.

▲ The Washington Monument and New York’s Statue of Liberty have both been forced to temporarily close. (Photo from Wikipedia)

New York’s Statue of Liberty closed; tourists forced to change plans

The Statue of Liberty, standing on Liberty Island in Manhattan, New York, has also suspended operations due to the impact of the shutdown. Many tourists visiting the site have been forced to adjust their plans, such as opting for a one-hour boat tour around the New York harbor or requesting refunds. Many visitors who had already purchased tickets and gathered at the site have complained that ticket sales should have been suspended earlier or that they should have been given advance notice of the closure. They also expressed dissatisfaction with being simply redirected to a boat tour instead.

▲ The majestic valley of Yosemite in the U.S. (Photo provided by netizen Rita)

California’s Yosemite National Park has a gloomy 123rd birthday

California’s Yosemite National Park, which should have been joyously celebrating its 123rd anniversary, has had a particularly bleak birthday. Its official website announced: “Due to the federal government shutdown, the national park is closed to the public, and the website is also temporarily suspended.” It reminds the public not to make a wasted trip, and visitors already inside the park must leave within 48 hours.

The Grand Canyon in the U.S. also began refusing entry to visitors starting at 6 a.m. on October 1, and visitors staying within the park must also leave within 48 hours. (News source: CNA)

%际访苌?岵┪锕莨偻??妗（图／截自Smithsonian Museum official website)