After closing for months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many scenic spots in northwest Yunnan’s Lijiang city have reopened to tourists recently.

With the impact of COVID-19, the tourist industry remained at a standstill during this year’s Chinese New Year vocation. But now, Lijiang is ready to welcome tourists again, with protective measures being taken on each tourist site.

Ensuring the safety of visitors

The Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area has set up an automatic body temperature measuring system. And cable cars are required to take no more than 4 passengers each time.

Moreover, tourists are suggested to keep social distancing in public places. Restaurants within the scenic area have also required visitors to book meals in advance and and eat along upon arrival.

According to the administration of Yulong Snow Mountain, the number of visitors now reach nearly 1,000 per day, compared with only 100 before. Thus, several measures have been taken to enhance the scenic spot’s capability to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Lijiang Old Town has also required all visitors and staff to wear face masks before entering the town on.

Currently, most stores and restaurants in the old town have been reopened, except for bars and and some touristic sites. And all staff are required to report their health conditions to local authorities on a daily basis.

Leveling up service skills  

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the entire tourist industry was at a standstill. Many tour guides thus took this opportunity to learn new knowledge and enhance their service skills.

Meanwhile, the Lijiang Tourism Vocational School arranged a series of online free courses to facilitate them to improve skills at home. So far, these courses have been participated by about 1,500 people.

Upgrading the tourist industry

The Kangyang Resort at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang is a new attempt for the local government to combine ethnic culture, natural landscape and leisure tourism together.

Currently,the the resort is working with Yu Rongguang, a famous Chinese actor, and his studio. They hope to bring a series of shows and performances to Lijiang to enrich the experience of tourists from both China and abroad.

Featuring the unique Danxia landform, the Laojunshan National Park in Lijiang has been focusing on upgrading its services over the past few years. Today, tourists can not merely enjoy rock climbing and bonfire party, but stay at tent hotels over night.

The Lugu Lake Scenic Area also plans to provide more services, allowing tourists to have a glimpse of the distinctive Mosuo ethnic culture of Yunnan.  

As the COVID-19 outbreak gets away, Lijiang is ready for the return of more tourists.   

Reporting by Kang Jing and He Hongyan (Xinhua); translating by Li Yushuangyue; editing by Wang Jingzhong