Suggestions for Shanghai to become 'more attractive' to tourists

Shanghai can reinstate outdoor food markets at night, improve public transport and taxi services and build more locker rooms to attract more international tourists, local lawmakers suggested on Monday.

Li Feikang, a deputy from Huangpu District called for the return of street food markets at night and suggested that the markets are run on a side street with no residential complexes to avoid disturbing residents.

To ensure the quality and sanitary standards of open-air food markets, he suggested that the government roll out standards, fund the construction of infrastructure and assess the food businesses at the markets annually.

Lin Liping, a deputy from Hongkou District, said the city should improve its public transport and taxi services during major public holidays after midnight.

“It’s awkward that after midnight on New Year’s Eve, people who had fun at countdown parties have to face the cold night when taxi drivers turn off their meters and ask for 100 yuan (US$15) as the starting price, and it’s been like this for four to five years,” she writes in her proposal. The normal flag-down price of taxis for 3 kilometers between 11pm and 5am is 18 yuan.

Lin suggested that the government set up a regime of floating taxi charges, allowing for a 30-50 percent hike up.

She also suggested the last metro service at 1am instead of the current 11:50pm.

Li Ming, a deputy from Yangpu District, suggested that the city should build more locker facilities to help tourists with their luggage when they do sightseeing and shopping.

Li said Shanghai can learn from Japanese cities where every train station and shopping mall has standardized locker facilities with reasonable charges and sufficient supply.

Pan Xichen, a deputy from the Pudong New Area, said it’s time to upgrade the cruise tour services on the Huangpu River because it’s become "lukewarm".

The shortcomings of the cruise services include a short supply of day tours, unsatisfactory food and expensive tickets, according to Pan.

She also suggested the audio guide service for foreign tourists should be improved.