Tourist attractions in China gradually reopen with precautions
CGTN
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The Fragrant Hills in Beijing. (Photo: CGTN)

China's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak involves extraordinary measures, and shutting down tourist attractions was one of them. Now, as the situations in many regions show signs of improvement, some attractions have reopened, but not without precautions.

Overcrowding at the foot of Beijing's Fragrant Hills is rare during the outbreak. After watching a video of the scene online, many Chinese netizens have asked the question, "Is it time yet to indulge oneself in beautiful sceneries despite the ongoing situation?" 

To address their health concerns, tourist attractions in China have taken action. Southern China's Qiandao Lake dispatched a team of more than 100 security officers. They carry prevention kits with thermometers and a few masks inside.

The officers disinfect public areas and take the visitors' temperatures. 

Also, in southern China, the Tongli Ancient Town is working to keep things safe. Xue Run, deputy manager of the ancient town, said a reservation is needed an hour in advance for a visit to the Tuisi Garden, one of the most popular gardens inside the old town.

"Thirty visitors are allowed to enter the garden each hour. And during their visit, our volunteers will guide them and urge them to complete their visit within an hour, so that we can monitor and maintain good traffic," Xue said.

Tuisi Garden, with its unique structures that seem to float on water, was designated as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. A tourist said he felt quite safe there, "First, the security guards at the entrance checked my temperature. Then there was another checkpoint when I entered the garden. As I came to visit the Tuisi Garden, they told me I needed a reservation."

At Beijing's Fragrant Hills, which is famous for its fall foliage, the management has closed five parking lots to limit crowds, and some areas of the park remain off-limits.