Many tourist destinations in China have reopened.

From mid-March, while the global COVID-19 pandemic was escalating, China showed many positive signs as new infections among Chinese citizens gradually dropped to zero. Consequently, the Chinese tourism market rebounded, with approximately 50% of scenic spots reopening to visitors. These are all top-ranked attractions according to the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Ticket sales have increased rapidly since the reopening, with ticket sales in the first seven days of March recording a 173% increase compared to the previous week.

However, this situation has raised concerns in the community about a potential second wave of Covid-19 infections due to the large concentration of tourists while the pandemic is not yet fully under control.

Here are some tourist attractions that have reopened to visitors in recent days.

Shanghai reopens tourist attractions but continues to control visitor numbers.

In Shanghai, most parks and some major tourist attractions have reopened. However, to ensure safety and prevent the spread of Covid-19, visitors are still required to have their temperature checked at the entrance and wear masks throughout their visit. Shanghai's museums have also resumed operations with similar requirements, and visitors are asked not to spend more than two hours at each museum.

In addition, Chinese tourist attractions are also limiting the number of visitors per day. Accordingly, the Shanghai Museum is limited to 2,000 visitors per day, the History Museum to 3,000, and the China National Museum of Art to 5,000. Currently, indoor swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and yoga centers remain closed. However, outdoor training areas are allowed to operate normally.

Nanjing is implementing various measures to stimulate shopping and tourism.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nanjing government plans to distribute shopping vouchers worth up to 318 million yuan (approximately $45.3 million) to residents to stimulate demand. These vouchers can be used at a range of restaurants, shopping malls, sports centers, and tourist attractions.

Officials in Qinhuai district of the city are encouraging residents to spend at least 100 yuan (over $14) each time they shop or dine at restaurants. This initiative aims to help businesses weather the difficult period following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Xinjiang reopens 131 tourist destinations.

Currently, 131 tourist attractions in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have reopened. However, tourists are still required to adhere to preventative measures such as wearing masks, having their temperature checked, and maintaining safe distances while queuing.

Some scenic spots in Xinjiang also limit visiting hours to prevent the spread of disease. For example, Tianchi Lake is only open from 10 am to 5 pm, with no more than 3,000 visitors per day, and all visitors are required to use their real names when booking tickets online.

Hainan is stepping up efforts to promote and stimulate beach tourism.

Since February 21st, top-tier tourist attractions in Sanya City on Hainan Island have reopened. These attractions are drawing an increasing number of visitors, especially as the COVID-19 situation is gradually being brought under control.

It is estimated that around 74,000 tourists have visited Sanya's tourist destinations since they reopened. Simultaneously, 23,000 tourism workers have been able to return to work. To attract tourists, Sanya is also providing each visitor with travel insurance. The island is also implementing various promotional and tourism stimulus measures.

My Tong