Pingnan closes tourist attractions for safety considerations

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2013-07-15

The 80,000-square-meter Qianshui Square in Baishuiyang, a world geological park and national 5A scenic spot, was completely empty except for a few security guards in raincoats on July 13.

Mr. Zhang, one of the patrolling security guards said, “From 6 pm July 12, both Baishuiyang and Yuanyangxi were closed, and visitors were guided out. Security guards were divided into several groups to guarantee people were on duty and patrolling 24 hours a day to prevent any emergencies.” Ye Changkong, the service manager on duty, told the reporter that Ningde city’s leaders and the secretary of the Pingnan county Party committee had arrived at the scenic spots early in the morning and asked about whether the spots were well prepared for the coming typhoon Soulik. The water level at Baishuiyang had risen slightly, but was still within the safe range. “We are unsure when the spots will be re-opened after the typhoon has passed until notice from above arrives,” he said.

Typhoons have caused great damage to the eco-tourism in Pingnan. You Renling, president of the Yuanyangxi Travel Agency, told the reporter that on July 12 alone, 268 people from two tourist groups were forced to cancel their trips, resulting in a loss of income. The following day was Saturday, which was supposed to see more tourists, instead it saw none. In the end, You’s travel agency alone has lost more 1,300 customers. All the 26 travel agencies in Pingnan together have lost hundreds of tourist groups totaling more than 30,000 tourists, including another 40 tourists not traveling in groups. The absence of more than 70 tourists has resulted in direct economic losses of more than 30 million yuan ($4.68 million) in Pingnan.

Edited by Michael Thai