Special cards bring convenience to Guangzhou visitors

A ceremony is held in Guangzhou in February to celebrate the launch of three special travel cards in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou issued three special travel cards on Feb 5, aiming to make things more convenient for visitors to the capital of Guangdong province.

The Guangzhou Travel Card can be used to pay for subways, tram cars, buses and ferries that operate within the city and offers discounts at around 100 of Guangzhou's tourist attractions, scenic spots, hotels, restaurants and travel agencies.

The three types of cards – 24-hour card, 48-hour card and 72-hour card, are priced at 36 yuan ($5.73), 56 yuan, and 76 yuan, respectively. The cards are now available at the Yangchengtong Customer Service Centers across the city, and will also be available at bus terminals, railway stations, airports, tourist attractions, and hotels in the near future. 

A government official gifts a special travel card to one of the tourist representatives at the ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to Liu Yumei, director of the Guangzhou Tourism Bureau, the idea of issuing these cards came from similar moves taken by governments in London, New York and Paris. Guangzhou has upgraded its fare system for public transportation and integrated tourism resources, accommodation services, catering, and entertainment resources into the card, hoping to provide visitors with comprehensive service while saving them time and effort.

Alicia from Spain spoke highly of the special travel cards, saying that the card enabled her to experience life in Guangzhou just like the locals did and offered her discounts at hotels and tourist attractions. "I will recommend the card to my friends when they travel to Guangzhou," she said. 

Three types of Guangzhou Travel Cards are issued at the ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]