Attraction prices won't rise despite holiday crowds

Ticket prices for tourist attractions in Beijing will remain stable despite an expected glut of visitors during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, according to an official at Beijing's tourism authority.

"We support the suggestions from the China National Tourism Administration and will not raise the ticket prices at scenic spots during the coming holidays," said Zhao Guangchao, a member of the Beijing Tourism Development Commission. "Besides, ticket prices of Beijing's attractions are comparably cheap."

According to the tourism research center at the China Academy of Social Sciences, the average ticket price at all 186 top-level attractions in China was 112 yuan ($17.50) at the end of 2014. However, the ticket price at scenic spots in Beijing is relatively cheap. A ticket for the Palace Museum, for example, only costs 60 yuan, despite being a top attraction.

Zhao said that related government departments would check ticket prices at tourist sites during the National Day holiday and impose financial penalties if necessary.

During the coming holidays, Beijing is expected to see another increase in visitor numbers. According to an estimate from Beijing's transportation authority, the number of visits will reach 160 million from Oct 1 to 7. At tourist attractions, Oct 2 and 3 will see a great increase in visitors, the authority said.

Song Yu, head of the Beijing Tourism Development Commission, said Beijing would collect information about the capacity of tourist attractions to avoid overcrowding.

"For those that have reached their maximum capacity, scenic spots should stop selling tickets and inform other tourists immediately," added Song.