Hundreds of attractions offer free admission to Shenzhen residents

Tourists enjoy the autumn scenery at Jiuzhaigou Valley in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on Nov. 1, 2025. The scenic area is among 12 top-rated attractions in Sichuan offering Shenzhen residents free standard admission from Nov. 16 to 22 this year. Photos by Xinhua

Hundreds of tourist attractions across China, including Jiuzhaigou Valley, Mount Huangshan and the Leshan Giant Buddha, are offering Shenzhen residents free admission or discounted tickets under an autumn tourism promotion announced Thursday.

The offers are mainly available from Nov. 14 to 22, with Nov. 16 to 22 a key promotional period for major attractions in Sichuan Province. Some discounts extend through the end of the year.

More than 300 attractions across 13 cities in Guangdong Province are also taking part, with nearly 90% waiving standard entrance fees for Shenzhen residents. Participating destinations in Sichuan and Anhui provinces are also offering free admission.

The discounts were unveiled at a tourism promotion event held in Shenzhen on Thursday.

Free entry across Guangdong

A sightseeing boat passes beneath blooming pink orchid trees at Seven-star Crags in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, on March 13.

In Guangdong, all A-rated tourist attractions in Shaoguan, Heyuan, Meizhou, Shanwei, Zhaoqing, Qingyuan and Yunfu are offering free standard admission to Shenzhen residents during their respective promotional periods.

Participating attractions include Mount Danxia in Shaoguan, known for its striking red sandstone formations, and Dinghu Mountain and Seven-star Crags in Zhaoqing. Guangji Bridge, a historic landmark in Chaozhou, is also among the attractions offering free admission.

The participating destinations range from mountains and historic sites to theme parks and wellness retreats.

Popular destinations beyond Guangdong

Tourists explore Hongcun, a historic village known for its traditional architecture, in Anhui Province on Aug. 18.

In Sichuan Province, 12 tourist attractions with China's highest 5A rating will waive standard entrance fees for Shenzhen residents from Nov. 16 to 22.

They include Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong Scenic Area, Mount Siguniang, Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan, Mount Emei, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park and Daocheng Yading.

Huaying Mountain Tourist Area in Guang'an, Sichuan, will offer free standard admission to Shenzhen residents through Dec. 31.

In Anhui Province, Mount Huangshan, the historic villages of Xidi and Hongcun, Huashan Mystery Caves and Taiping Lake are also participating in the free-admission initiative.

Travel arrangements and eligibility

The Shenzhen Travel Agency Association is working with travel agencies to develop tour packages incorporating the discounts, along with departure schedules and booking information.

The Shenzhen Federation of Trade Unions is promoting discounts at employee recreation and wellness facilities across Guangdong, while railway authorities have announced measures to facilitate travel during the promotional period.

The free-entry offers cover standard admission to the main scenic areas but may exclude separately ticketed attractions, cable cars, sightseeing transportation and other paid services.

Residents are advised to check official announcements from individual attractions or local tourism authorities for exact promotional dates, eligibility requirements and reservation procedures before making travel arrangements.