Harbin travel guides reined in

Tourism authorities in Heilongjiang province summoned the heads of 31 travel agencies in Harbin this week to encourage them to strengthen their management of tour guides.

The move came after the China National Tourism Administration called for a vigorous investigation into complaints of guides forcing tourists to buy ticket packages during trips to Snow Town, a popular winter attraction in the province.

The warning was issued on Monday by the Heilongjiang Tourism Development Committee, Harbin Tourism Development Committee and Heilongjiang Forest Industry Bureau.