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(www.eastday.com 2004-08-03)

Qibao Ancient Street has started charging a controversial admission fee.

Since last weekend visitors have been required to pay 10 yuan (US$1.2) per person. Qibao is a typical Shanghai style street that has been restored to its original look.

Qibao Town government understands the newly imposed fee would frustrate some residents but said it was necessary.

"Too many visitors have imposed a great burden on us," said Zhou Bingzhong, a spokesman for the government. "We've spent several million yuan on the street's maintenance and protection."
He said since the street opened to the public in October 2002, it has attracted about 4 million visitors. During weekdays about 10,000 people visit and the attraction draws more than 15,000 on weekends.

"The street is so narrow that people jostle with one another to get past," Zhou said. "It's hard to imagine how they could be evacuated quickly if an accident happened."

He said revenue from tickets would be used for enhancing service and establishing Qibao as an ideal tourist destination.

The street's residents and those that work on the strip would not be charged the fee.

Ticket inspectors said they can recognize the difference between residents and tourists.

However, tourists and businessmen are not pleased. Several store operators fear a drop in visitors will negatively affect their businesses.

The ancient street has at least 10 passages that connect to it and the government has set up ticket sales booths at just five entry points, which means people can sneak in.