2015年CRI Tourist Sites Warned off Illegal Price Hike

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A recent report from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is suggesting the average prices at the top level scenic¹ spots in China average over 110-yuan per ticket.

This is more than most pay in other countries around the world.

"It's really expensive. Public opinions should be solicited² before price hikes and only with a nod from the public, could a rise be adopted."

"I can hardly afford a tour. I will go nowhere if the ticket prices are too high for me to afford."

Massive price hikes at scenic spots in China are on the verge³ this year.

This is because of a decision by the National Development and Reform Commission 8 years ago to limit price increases to every 3-years.

The last increase for most tourist spots was 2012.

Popular attractions, including the villages of Wuzhen in Zhejiang, Maijishan Grottoes in Gansu and the Silver Cave in Guangxi are said to be planning to increase their ticket prices by as much as 60-percent in the next few months.

Word of this is drawing ire from tourism officials.

Dai Bin⁴ with the China Tourism Academy says profiteering shouldn't be allowed at government-backed tourist sites.

"Earnings⁵ from ticket sales at tourist sites that feature natural scenery or cultural heritage should only be used to cover maintenance and operational costs. Operators of these sites should not profit through selling tickets since these are public assets."

A number of scams have also been uncovered ahead of the forthcoming holiday.

At the Shanhaiguan Pass on the Great Wall in Hebei, visitors have been paying 90 yuan for ticket, which is 30 yuan higher than a normal one.

It's been discovered staff there have been forcing people to buy the supplementary⁶ ticket, which is only meant to covers a visit to a theatre built in the area.

Han Li with the National Development and Reform Commission is one of those who took part in the investigation⁷.

"Our investigation has found it was collusion between the site's operator and a local travel agency that runs the theatre. The site can earn an extra 5 yuan from selling each ticket."

A nationwide campaign has been launched by the National Tourism Administration to regulate ticket prices at tourist attractions.

Punishments will be doled⁸ out for those found to be involved in fraud, unreasonable⁹ price adjustments or poor management.

For CRI, I'm Yu Yang.