Free admission to Hangzhou's West Lake yields more than entrance fees, said a signed article in Yanzhao Metropolis Daily. An excerpt follows:

West Lake Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, eliminated its entrance fee in 2002. According to a recent report by the local audit bureau, free admission to West Lake has brought hundreds of millions of yuan in profits to the scenic spot and stimulated the development of the local tourist industry.

Some people simply equate tourism development with collecting entrance fees at scenic spots. Such a trend has invited many complaints in recent years.

In fact, tourism is a comprehensive industry that is much more than the entrance fee. It can increase the development of various sectors, such as food, accommodation, transportation and culture. When ticket prices in other regions were getting higher, West Lake opened its gates for free. And free admission has brought more economic and social benefits. This offers food for thought.

First, free admission attracts many more tourists.

Second, it is a whole new concept in tourism management. Though the park loses about 25.3 million yuan (US$3.24 million) a year without admission fees, the value of the park's commercial network increases.

Third, free admission shows a humanistic concern. It is a trend in the world's tourism development to pursue harmony between man and nature. The charm of tourism is to let tourists consume happily.