Tibet’s Motuo Scenic Area to Start Charging Admission from June 10 – 160 Yuan per Person
The Motuo County government has issued a notice stating that, in order to further enhance the quality of tourism at the scenic area and achieve sustainable development, an entrance fee of 160 yuan per person will be implemented for all visitors entering the Motuo Scenic Area starting June 10. The notice also outlines groups eligible for discounted tickets. Active-duty military personnel, seniors, people with disabilities, teachers, and students can enjoy a 50% discount upon presenting valid identification. Teachers get free admission on Teachers’ Day, active-duty military personnel on Army Day, and elementary school students on Children’s Day. Religious followers are subject to relevant national and regional regulations. Children under 1.4 meters tall or under 14 years old are admitted free of charge. Permanent residents of Motuo County may enter free of charge upon presenting valid identification (or documentation).
Motuo is the last county in China to have a road built to it. On October 31, 2013, the Motuo Highway was officially completed and opened to traffic, allowing the once “isolated plateau island” to step out of seclusion. Since then, more and more tourists have been able to realize their “Motuo travel dream.” Data shows that before the highway was opened, Motuo received only slightly more than 3,000 visitors per year, but last year saw a surge in tourist numbers, surpassing 60,000.
Wang Jun, head of the Nyingchi Prefecture Tourism Bureau, stated that since the opening of the Motuo Highway, the number of tourists visiting Motuo has increased significantly. Charging an appropriate admission fee can effectively control visitor numbers, and the proceeds can be used for the protection of the scenic area’s ecological environment as well as infrastructure improvement. He also mentioned that in the future, Motuo will strive to become a high-end, premium-level tourism destination.