Zhangjiajie reopening to tourists after new cases

The city closed all its tourist sites on July 30 after reporting one confirmed locally transmitted case of COVID-19 the day before. The measures and other restrictions swiftly curbed the spread of the virus. It has not reported a confirmed infection since Aug 16.

Ding Yunjuan, marketing vice-manager of Tianmen Mountain, said the scenic spot has made full preparations for the reopening. "We invited professional workers to thoroughly disinfect public areas on Thursday. All of our staff members have been vaccinated," Ding said.

The reopening of all scenic spots in the city is expected to be completed in early September.

On Wednesday, Zhangjiajie lifted traffic restrictions.

The city is also offering subsidies for flight tickets and is carrying out various promotional activities to jump-start its tourism market. According to local media reports, the city's airport remains closed, but tickets will be available for flights from the city on Monday.