Guizhou's Qinglong makes 24 Zigzags viewing platform and exhibition hall free of charge
In short
The Qinglong county government in Guizhou said on 4 October that the viewing platform and exhibition hall at the 24 Zigzags (二十四道拐) scenic area are free of admission from that day. The notice said the wartime highway inside the scenic area has always been open free of charge, and that the paid facilities were built in 2016 by a county-owned enterprise about 9 km away. Social vehicles remain barred from the wartime highway, and sightseeing bus rides stay user-pays and voluntary.
Why it matters
The decision follows public attention to fees at a site associated with the wartime highway, and the county said it will improve walking service facilities and raise service quality. For readers outside the area, the case is a local example of authorities adjusting ticketing at a heritage site after online criticism; the documents give no indication of wider policy impact.
Key facts
- The Qinglong county government in Guizhou said on 4 October 2026 that the 24 Zigzags viewing platform and exhibition hall are free of admission from that day. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The wartime highway within the scenic area has always been open to visitors free of charge, with no ticket needed. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The charged viewing platform and exhibition hall were built in 2016 by a county-owned state enterprise with self-raised funds. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The platform and hall are about 9 km from the wartime highway and are independent of it. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The county said the claim that the wartime highway was fenced off to charge visitors is inconsistent with the facts. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Social vehicles are banned from driving on the wartime highway. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Sightseeing bus rides are charged on a user-pays basis and are chosen voluntarily by visitors. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The Qinglong county government announced on 4 October that the 24 Zigzags viewing platform and exhibition hall are free of admission from that day. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The wartime highway in the scenic area has always been open free of charge. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The charged facilities were built in 2016 by a county-owned state enterprise with self-raised funds, about 9 km from the wartime highway and independent of it. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Social vehicles are barred from the wartime highway to prevent excessive wear. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Sightseeing bus fees are user-pays and voluntary. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- What specific complaints or online comments prompted the county's review of the scenic area's fees Both documents say fees drew public attention but do not describe the complaints.
- Whether the sightseeing bus fee will change The notice states the fee is user-pays and voluntary but does not say whether it will be adjusted.
- The name of the county-owned enterprise that built the viewing platform and exhibition hall Both documents refer only to a county-owned state enterprise.