See Shanghai's best for half price

Seventy tourist attractions across the city will offer half-price admission on May 19 to mark China Tourism Day, Shanghai's tourism authorities announced on Tuesday.

The list includes the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, the Shanghai Tower, the 88th floor observatory of the Jin Mao Tower and the Bund's sightseeing tunnel, according to the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.

Parks such as Chenshan Botanical Garden, Century Park, Shanghai Zoo, Gucun Park, Binjiang Forest Park, Zuibaichi Park, Yuehu Sculpture Park, Gongqing Forest Park, Guyi Garden and the Dongping National Forest Park are also included.

The offer also covers museums such as the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai Film Museum, Shanghai Auto Museum, Shanghai Natural History Museum and World Expo Museum.

Water towns including Fengjing Ancient Town and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, the former residences of Dr Sun Yat-sen and literary giant Lu Xun, and Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence are also on the list.

In addition, the Jinshanzui Fishing Village, the city's only remaining fishing village, the Shanghai International Circuit, the Jinjiang Amusement Park and Happy Valley will deliver the same treat, according to the administration.

A cruise tour on the Huangpu River, which costs 120 yuan (US$17.70) normally, will be halved on the day as well.

The Shanghai Disney Resort, one of the most popular attractions in the city, will offer discounted admission after 3pm on the day.

Long queues are forecast at some attractions because of the offer, and scenic spots may control the number of visitors depending on the situation on the day, the administration said.

It has become a tradition for major scenic spots in the city to provide half-price tickets on China Tourism Day and during the annual Shanghai Tourism Festival.

Visitor volumes are up to three times normal.