(File photo: CFP)

China introduced tougher travel restrictions on Saturday, including the suspension of tourist train operations, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, amid growing concerns over the latest coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Authorities urged travel agencies online and offline to strictly control the size of tourist groups and arrange tourist operations in accordance with pandemic prevention and control protocols. Tourist trains are suspended from Saturday.

Tourist sites, hotels and entertainment venues are also required to put in place strict COVID-19 containment measures, according to the notice.

The Chinese mainland on Friday recorded 50 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases including 38 locally acquired infections, the highest number reported in more than a month.