During the National Day holiday, Beijing's cultural and tourism market is experiencing high demand and supply. To ensure a pleasant travel and consumption experience, citizens planning to travel and visitors coming to Beijing are advised to take note of the following tips.
1. Make Plans and Be Prepared
The peak travel period during the National Day holiday leads to crowded entry and exit points in Beijing, as well as popular attractions and dining accommodations. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead by selecting appropriate travel products or designing a reasonable travel itinerary. Travelers should carefully research the reputation of attractions, transportation routes, and nearby facilities when planning their trips. For those joining group tours, ensure that the selected travel agency is legitimate and has all necessary qualifications, such as business licenses and operating permits. It is important to sign a detailed written travel contract with the agency, clearly outlining the itinerary, including transportation, accommodation, dining, shopping, sightseeing routes, and duration, along with a confirmed price. If travelers find any terms in the contract unclear or ambiguous, they should promptly ask the travel agency staff for clarification. When planning international travel, important information about the destination's climate, culture, safety, and entry and exit requirements can be found through resources like the China Consular Affairs website(cs.mfa.gov.cn), the "Consular Direct Line" social media platform, and the official websites of embassies and consulates in the destination country.
2. Consume Rationally and Be Cautious
The development of social media platforms has provided travelers with more convenient channels to learn about and purchase travel products. However, this can lead to a fragmented and unregulated business model characterized by "front-end promotions, mid-stage group organization, and back-end destination reception services." Influencers or live streamers on social media are not always the travel agencies that ultimately organize the trips, which can result in exaggerated promotional claims and discrepancies between advertised services and actual offerings, leading to disputes and finger-pointing afterward. When selecting travel products through social media, it is essential to verify the travel agency providing the services, as well as the timing and method of signing contracts. Be especially wary of low prices and avoid making direct transfers to individuals claiming to be "travel agency staff" to prevent potential losses.
3. Reject Scalpers and Maintain Order
In response to the issue of scalpers reselling tickets for popular attractions and open venues, multiple departments—including cultural tourism, internet information, public security, market regulation, and cultural law enforcement—are actively cracking down on illegal activities. They are also providing administrative guidance to platforms and enterprises to regulate ticket-related travel products. All travel agencies and platform companies are prohibited from promoting "ticket + guide" products for popular attractions and open venues, and they must not offer services for purchasing or securing tickets on behalf of others. As consumers, travelers should also ensure they book or purchase tickets through legitimate channels and refrain from supporting the illegal activities of scalpers.
4. Travel Safely and Securely
A joyful, harmonious, and civilized holiday atmosphere must be accompanied by safety. With the increased number of tourists during the holiday season, popular attractions and open venues can become particularly crowded. It is essential to follow staff instructions and quickly pass through narrow areas to help manage the flow of people and prevent personal injuries due to overcrowding. Travelers should remember their tour guide's contact information and pay attention to announcements from the attraction. If experiencing discomfort due to congestion, they should seek assistance from their guide or the venue's staff immediately. When traveling with family, special care should be taken for elderly individuals and minors to avoid excessive fatigue and prevent getting lost in the crowd.
5. Travel with Etiquette and Civility
The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has issued a "Civilized Tourism Initiative" for the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays, encouraging tourists and citizens to become advocates for civilized tourism! Travelers are urged to enhance their awareness of ecological civilization, protect the environment, and maintain cleanliness. It is important to respect public order, avoid crowding and queuing conflicts, care for cultural relics and historical sites, and cherish public facilities. Practicing the "Clean Plate" initiative helps prevent food waste. Tourists should properly sort their waste and take responsibility for any garbage generated during camping activities. Opting for low-carbon, eco-friendly transportation by prioritizing public transport is encouraged. When traveling abroad, it is vital to adhere to local laws and regulations and respect local customs and religious beliefs. During the National Day holiday, let tourists "stroll through Beijing, illuminate their journey, embrace civility, and carry forward etiquette."
Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism Market Quality Supervision and Consultation Service Center
September 26, 2024
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: NIU Lihua
