Notably, iconic sites like the Forbidden City and the National Museum will still require reservations. However, most other attractions will no longer need advance bookings. This change is expected to enhance the tourism experience by eliminating the need for early reservations that could potentially disrupt travel plans if cancelled last minute.
The shift away from mandatory reservations follows similar measures in cities like Shanghai and Suzhou. Previously, reservations were essential for many tourist spots to manage congestion and facility pressure. During the pandemic, these requirements became stricter to limit virus spread, often necessitating real-name registration. This made spontaneous travel difficult, especially for foreign tourists who faced hurdles with Chinese apps requiring local accounts and language proficiency.
The rebound in tourism is a positive indicator of consumer confidence in China’s economic recovery. For instance, during the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the country saw a 6.3% increase in trips and an 8.1% rise in spending compared to last year.
Source: South China Morning Post