Daocheng Yading Scenic Area to Waive Admission for Three Months, Cut Transport Fees, and Introduce Reservation-Based Access for Private Vehicles

Chengdu, July 10 (Xinhua) — The Daocheng Yading scenic area in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province will implement a series of rectification measures, including a reservation system for private vehicles, reduced transportation service fees, and a range of free-admission initiatives, the reporter learned from the scenic area on July 10.

In April, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism named the Daocheng Yading scenic area for issues such as unreasonable shuttle bus charges and poorly designed tour routes. In May, public opinion over the scenic area's "roadblock shuttle bus fees" intensified, triggering widespread online discussion about ecological protection, the right of public passage, and the quality of cultural-tourism services.

On May 28, Sichuan Province established a provincial-level investigation and guidance team, and the Garzê Prefecture upgrade-level rectification team moved in to carry out a comprehensive review. The scenic area has since compiled a "Special Rectification Work Plan for Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Shuttle Bus Management and Online Public Opinion," clarifying responsibilities and deadlines item by item and adopting a ledger-based closure-management approach.

Addressing the ticket-price issue of greatest public concern, the relevant authorities and the scenic area have fully launched a cost audit of sightseeing buses; once the cost accounting is complete, a public price hearing will be organized in accordance with the law and publicized through all channels. At the same time, the scenic area company has applied to the Daocheng County transportation authority and lawfully obtained a road passenger transport operating license; it will subsequently set and publicize prices in accordance with the law and organize operations under the regulations governing road passenger transport lines and customized passenger services.

In response to the strong public demand for self-driving access, the Yading scenic area will take into account ecological carrying capacity, road safety, and visitor experience, consolidate existing parking spaces in Yading Village and surrounding areas, and introduce a reservation-based access system for private vehicles — giving priority to parking for the production needs of original residents and local businesses. The scenic area is currently working with multiple departments to scientifically determine vehicle reservation and flow-control standards; the relevant plan will be made public after completing legally required approvals.

It is reported that since the scenic area suspended transportation service charges on May 29, more than 170,000 visitors have benefited from the free shuttle policy. In June, the scenic area introduced a free-admission discount for this year's middle and high school exam-takers. A responsible person at Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Tourism Development Co., Ltd. said that incoming middle and high school graduates will enjoy this policy every year going forward.

It is understood that from August 1 to October 31 this year, Daocheng Yading will waive scenic area admission fees for visitors from across the country.