New Maintenance Fee Introduced for Lijiang Old Town: Balancing Preservation and Tourism
The historic city of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has recently introduced a new regulation regarding its maintenance fee. Since August 1, any individual entering Lijiang Old Town for tourism or other activities is required to pay a single-entry fee of 50 yuan, with unlimited re-entries within one year.
17 July 2025
While this policy has sparked widespread discussion and concern among the public, with some perceiving it as an additional burden, Lijiang's officials argue that it is more favorable to tourists, especially those planning to visit multiple times within a year. The government emphasizes that this fee is necessary for the protection and maintenance of the ancient city, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The key governmental body behind this regulation is the Lijiang Municipal People's Government. Zheng Yi, the former Mayor of Lijiang City, had previously defended the legitimacy of the Lijiang Old Town Maintenance Fee in 2017. The Lijiang Old Town Protection Bureau plays a significant role in managing and protecting the ancient city and implementing the fee.
Tourists and citizens, who are the direct payers of the fee, are significant stakeholders in this discussion. According to some critics of the new policy, individuals, especially those on a tight budget, might reconsider visiting Lijiang due to the additional expense. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits, including the convenience of not having to pay multiple times, could attract more visitors and enhance their overall experience.
The impact of this policy on the tourism industry is multifaceted. Travel agencies will need to adjust their pricing and itinerary to account for the fee, potentially leading to more flexible cost calculations. The policy might also drive visitors to explore surrounding areas with lower or no fees, potentially boosting local tourism.
However, there are concerns about the commercialization of cultural heritage sites and the potential negative impact on their appeal. The government's credibility in policy-making and communication with the public is also under scrutiny.
The effective use of the maintenance fee is another focus of public attention. The government will need to ensure transparency in the usage of the funds, allocating them towards the preservation and maintenance of the ancient city.
Ultimately, the outcome of this policy will depend on its execution, the transparency of fee usage, and the effective interaction between the government and the public. As Lijiang continues to balance economic benefits with cultural heritage preservation, the city's approach will undoubtedly serve as a reference for other cultural heritage sites in China.
