Rules proposed for hutong tourism

Companies that conduct tours of Beijing's classic alleys, or hutong, should only be allowed to take groups to lanes that display traditional culture or contain historical sites, according to a draft guideline from the city government.

The document, which was released on Friday by the Beijing Commission of Tourism Development and is open to public feedback until Aug 20, aims to standardize tourist services and ensure market order.

Along with limiting where tour groups can visit, the draft guideline also requires local authorities to install facilities and signs to help foreign tourists and people with disabilities.