'Most beautiful old town' to abolish admission fee

A tourist destination in Central China's Hunan province will not charge the admission fee from tourists when they visit Fenghuang old town, local authorities said Monday.

More than 100 Miao women dressed up in glamorous local costumes travel around the ancient town of Fenghuang in the west part of Hunan province on December 2nd, 2015. The show is part of the 5th China Fenghuang Miao Ethnic Silver-wear and Costumes Festival. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Each tourist currently pays 148 yuan ($23) to enter Fenghuang, known as "China's most beautiful old town" for its well-preserved architecture dating back more than 300 years.

From April 10, 2016, tourists will not be charged to enter the town though entrance fees to sites within the town will remain, according to the town publicity office.

An agreement made three years ago between the county government and three local companies to administer the town will expire soon. The government informed the three companies of the changes on Sunday in an letter which mentioned that retailers and merchants in the town were opposed to the fee.

Fenghuang began to charge admission in 2013 in the face of protests by local store owners who claimed it would reduce their revenue. Before that, tourists could enter the town for free.

Fenghuang, which means "phoenix" in Chinese, is known for its wooden buildings and traditional river town scenery. Over the years, it has developed into a popular tourist destination with numerous hotels, bars and guest houses.