Like many popular tourist destinations around China, Zhouzhuang, a famous water township, is loosing some of its appeal due to over-commercialization.

At the 2005 Tourism summit held in Zhouzhuang, participants from over 100 travel agencies agreed that the city has lost a lot of its magic by over developing its commercial industries.

However, Zhouzhuang was still confident enough to raise its entrance fee from 60 to 100 yuan in September 2004 and make tourists pay extra to experience attractions like the Wupeng Boat or visit the Huima Tower.

Regarding a suggested boycott from the travel agencies, Zhang Xinmei, Manager of Zhouzhuang Tourism Company Limited, says the township has shifted its target from tourist groups to individual visitors and is also paying close attention to protecting the area's environment. Saying that the boycott would have little effect on tourist arrivals, she further stated that fewer vistors would help preserve the township's environment.


See photos about the beautiful water township of Wuzhen, click here.