Yearender: Hot travel news in China

[Photo by Su Yang/Asianewsphoto]

Top rated scenic spots urged to regulate service

The scenic spot of Shanhaiguan Pass in Qinhuangdao city in North China's Hebei province had its 5A rating removed after an undercover investigation during the National Day holiday.

According to the National Tourism Administration, an inspection team was sent to do investigations on 5A-rated scenic spots. It was mainly focused on those that received the most complaints from tourists. Inspections found that many popular destinations failed to maintain standards.

The administration said the scenic spot has problems in overpricing, poor management on environment and facility maintenance, as well as bad service mainly result of lack of staff members.

China adopts a five-tier tourist rating based on criteria such as the importance of the site, transportation and sanitation. The highest rating is 5A and has to be award by the administration, while ratings of 4A and below can be given by provincial tourism authorities.