Increases in admission fees at several scenic spots on the mainland sparked tips online on how to avoid costly fees while still enjoying the often-breathtaking views.
Various fare-evasion tips, including ways to avoid ticket booths, were readily available in the lead-up to and during the three-day Labour Day holiday that ended yesterday.
But Professor Yao Kunyi , who specialises in tourism planning and management studies at the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade, said these back-door tips were often misleading as they could expose sightseers to unexpected risks.
Still, he said the growing popularity of such tips reflects growing discontent among people over rising admission fees at tourist sites.
'It's particularly outrageous for a family of three to spend about 1,000 yuan (HK$1,200) on just admission fees when they visit a scenic spot on the mainland,' Yao said. 'On top of that, some of the increases are not necessarily justified, as there hasn't been much transparency in the decision-making process.'
On Friday, a government-organised hearing over an admission-fee rise from 60 to 120 yuan for the Slender West Lake in Yangzhou , Jiangsu , drew criticism for its lack of broader representation. None of the 24 people picked by the government to attend the hearing opposed the increase.