Nanluoguxiang Is Officially Off Limits to Tour Groups

By Justine Lopez

As of today tour groups are no longer allowed to visit Beijing’s ultra-trendy Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane). The area was also stripped of its ranking as an A3 tourist site, the Beijing Youth Daily reports.

The traditional hutong neighborhood has exploded in popularity during recent years. The roughly 800-meter alleyway and its surrounding streets are filled to the brim with cafes, restaurants, shops and sightseers.

Nanluoguxiang is a popular stop on Beijing’s tourist trail, attracting an average of 30,000 visitors on a typical day. On weekends the number can spike up to 50,000, and during the holidays as many as 100,000 visitors flock to the area.

According to the China National Tourism Administration, Nanluoguxiang is only large enough to safely accommodate 17,000 people. The issue of overcrowding not only poses a potential threat to public safety, but it also damages the historical integrity of the hutong.

Nanluoguxiang, and the streets surrounding it, were built more than 700 years ago during the Yuan dynasty. It is also one of the capital’s 25 cultural and historical protection areas. In an effort to preserve its historical structures, parts of the neighborhood are currently undergoing renovations, another factor that makes it unsafe for large groups of visitors.

Because the lane is still open to independent travelers, it remains to be seen whether or not this new regulation will help with overcrowding.

[Photo via CRI]

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