A famous tourist site in eastern China has introduced a time limit for photo-taking, captivating social media, and addressing a common complaint among visitors about long queues for pictures at key attractions.
The Huangling Scenery Zone in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi province, implemented this rule in August. Workers now hold a timer near a major attraction, allowing each tourist one minute for photography, as reported by state media CCTV.
This location has become an “online-celebrity spot,” celebrated for its stunning views of mountains, historic houses, and traditional farming activities, such as crops being dried in bamboo baskets.
Once a tourist’s time is up, the workers politely encourage them to step aside for the next visitor.
“If there are few tourists, we do not enforce this time limit. However, due to its popularity, we often have many people waiting for photos, necessitating this measure to maintain order,” shared an unnamed manager.
A tourist commented on social media: “In addition to timing us, the workers help take photos and suggest gestures, making it a great experience.”
Another added: “This photo time limit should be implemented at all tourist sites in the country.”
Reports of tourists arguing while vying for photo opportunities have frequently gone viral in China. Some visitors, particularly middle-aged and older women, have been known to spend up to half an hour on individual or group photos at a single location.
Last August, a viral video showed a woman at Gulangyu Island’s “most beautiful corner” – a wall where she posed in various positions – facing backlash from dozens of other women in line. Defending her lengthy photo session, she remarked: “Your time is none of my business. I’ve waited long to reach this spot.”
The Jiangxi tourism area is not the only location implementing such time restrictions. Longzhuashan Park near Yantai in Shandong province has established a 30-second photo limit at its iconic Black Mountain Eye since last year.
“We considered the needs of most tourists when designing this rule, ensuring that no one misses the chance to capture this breathtaking natural landscape,” explained park manager Zhang Guoyin.
The time-limit policy has generated significant discussion across mainland China, with mixed responses from internet users.
“It’s crucial to manage the situation this way; those monopolising spots for extended periods are quite inconsiderate,” remarked one individual.
Conversely, another noted: “Such strict limits may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. Tourist sites should offer more convenient, humane services.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
