China's Ministry of Culture and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage jointly held a news conference March 23, announcing that public cultural establishments will be made free of charge for youngsters to improve public cultural service.

According to Zhou Heping, vice minister of culture, from April 1 museums, historical sites and art galleries all over the country will be required to offer free admission to minors in groups or accompanied by parents. Entry is to be half price for unaccompanied students. Other special groups such as active-duty soldiers, senior citizens and the disabled will receive free or discounted tickets.

Zhou said affected units at all levels should seek assistance from their financial departments to guarantee funding to offset the free admissions, as well as for updating equipment and facilities.

Deputy Director Zhang Bai of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage called on all cultural heritage departments, especially key national and UNESCO-listed sites, to handle properly the relationship between expanding visitor numbers and security of the cultural relics. He urged the departments to give top priority to protection, establishing concrete operating measures in line with the Heritage Protection Law to control visitor numbers, assuring the safety of both the relics and the visitors.

Zhejiang Museum and the China Silk Museum started offering free admission at the beginning of 2004. Since then, Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and some other cities have decided that offering free admission to local museums and historical sites will improve their cultural service.

The Palace Museum of Beijing, popularly known as the Forbidden City, and the museum commemorating victims of the Nanjing Massacre in the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province will open free of charge to primary and middle school student groups from around the country every Tuesday beginning March 1 (excluding official holidays).

The 105 museums and libraries in southeastern China's Zhejiang Province will gradually shift to offering free admission to the public. Shanghai is also formulating plans for free admission for students visiting its 72 museums.

The National Library will set up a Children's Reception Day from March this year, and invite educational experts to offer training to promote youth services.

(China.org.cn by Li Xiao, March 24, 2004)