Guangzhou is offering free day tours for 150,000 residents until Dec. 31, part of a string of public activities to celebrate the Asian Games and Para Games in November and December.
The tourists have been selected via lucky draws by the Guangzhou Municipal Tourism Bureau. The tours will be organized by West Holiday, GZL, China Travel Service (HK), and Tianma travel agencies.
There are four itineraries for the day tours: The Classic Goat City Tour includes the Statue of Five Goats, Chen Clan Academy and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Dynamic Guangzhou Tour includes Er Sha Island, Guangzhou Tower and Zhujiang-InBev International Beer Museum. The Asian Games Tour features venues of the games in Baiyun and Panyu districts. The Guangzhou Culture Tour includes Western Han Nanyue King Museum, Zhenhai Tower and Xiguan.
Guangzhou, the host city for the 16th Asian Games (Nov. 12 to 27) and the 2010 Asian Para Games (Dec. 12 to 19), recently announced free public services, including three days off Nov. 12, 26 and Dec. 13 for residents.
From Nov. 12 to 14 and from Dec. 12 to 13, visitors to Guangzhou Zoo in Yuexiu District are eligible for a 20 percent discount. On Nov. 11, 12, 26 and Dec. 13, 17, admission to South China Botanical Garden in Tianhe District will be 40 percent off.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, Internet users in Guangzhou can enjoy free WiFi. On weekdays from Nov. 1 to 29 and from Dec. 5 to 21, free subways, buses and water ferries are being provided, while airport express, taxis and tour buses are not included in the free public transport.
From Nov. 1 to 29 and from Dec. 5 to 21, all vehicles in Guangzhou will be restricted to driving on alternate days from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. according to even and odd license plate numbers. Fines of up to 200 yuan (US$30) will be imposed on drivers caught violating the regulations.
(By Cao Zhen)
