Tibetannet

Visitors dressed in Tibetan attire walk in front of the Potala Palace on June 4. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The world heritage Potala Palace in the Tibet autonomous region, which reopened to visitors on Wednesday, is allowing a maximum of 2,100 people per day, about one-third of the 7,000 per day allowed before the coronavirus pandemic, to guard against a new outbreak.

The site reopened after being closed for more than four months. But the disease has been brought under basic control nationwide, so visits can resume if certain preconditions set by the authorities are met.

Two tourists pose for a photo in front of the Potala Palace. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Adequate epidemic control measures are in place, including online ticket reservations, divided visitation times, health reporting and a limit on the number of daily visitors, according to a notice on the palace’s website.

Visitors can find information about reservations and visiting procedures on the palace’s public WeChat account.

Visiting the palace requires a reservation one day in advance. Each visitor is asked to provide an ID, a health condition QR code and a mask before being admitted.

Tickets must be purchased via WeChat or Alipay, and visits can take place between 9 am and 4 pm. No one is admitted after 3 pm.

A summer view of the park in front of the Potala Palace. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

A visitor’s QR electronic ticket must be shown three times during the visit. Visitors from outside the region are required to fill in a health chart online before entering Tibet.

Children under 1.2 meters tall are admitted free, while students, the disabled, military members, teachers and those over 60 get a 50 percent ticket discount with valid documentation.