Recovery hopes for tourism sector as more public attractions reopen

With very few new domestic novel coronavirus cases reported in recent days, tourist attractions are reopening across China, with the hope of economic recovery to follow.

As of March 16, a total of 3,714 national scenic spots had reopened. These account for 30 percent of those shut down by the outbreak, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

More than 180 museums are now open and taking measures to limit crowds. Daily visits to the Shanghai Museum are capped at 2,000 and at the Shanghai History Museum, 3,000. Visitors are also required to wear face masks and take temperature checks.

Parks such as Chenshan Botanical Garden in Shanghai and the Beijing Zoo have reopened, as have theme parks.

One of the largest theme parks in Northeast China, Shenyang Fantawild Adventure, is scheduled to reopen on April 1. The theme park boasts interactive science fiction experiences based on Bonnie Bears－a blockbuster animation franchise.

Everything is meticulously arranged to protect visitors from risks of infection and create a happy place for them, as bringing happiness to people is at the core of the park's commitment, said Li Junwei, general manager of Fantawild.

Visitors need to book tickets online and show their QR health codes issued by the Shenyang Information Center at the entrance, Li said.

Inside the park, they will be reminded to keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters from one another. In restaurants, visitors are supposed to sit far apart.

The theme park is offering pre-sales for its tickets until April 6.Those who book tickets at regular prices through Shenyang Fantawild Adventure's official channels－including its official website, official app and WeChat mini program－will be awarded with an annual complimentary pass.

Tickets will be on sale the day before the official reopening. Each one costs only 99 yuan ($14), and does not expire until April 30.

"I believe during the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday (April 4-6) more people can venture out, embrace spring and bring back that long-lost happiness at Shenyang Fantawild Adventure," Li said.

His optimism is echoed by Trip.com, China's leading online travel agency. According to its data, orders for packages including tickets to scenic spots and hotel stays rallied on the platform. Orders for weekend trips have increased by more than 1,000 percent month-on-month.

A recent online survey of nearly 15,000 people by the travel agency found that people are still enthusiastic about traveling, with 78 percent willing to visit scenic spots in the near future.