A visitor sits along West Lake, a world cultural heritage site in Hangzhou. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Sixteen scenic spots in the West Lake scenic area, a World Cultural Heritage Site in Hangzhou, will be open to visitors for free until May 1, according to an announcement made by the management committee of the West Lake scenic area on March 15.

Indoor areas such as the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, a well-known politician and businessman in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), will remain closed to decrease risk of infection.

Strict prevention and control measures will continue to be taken in the free-of-charge scenic spots.

Visitors are required to wear masks for the duration of their stay at the scenic spots. Upon entering, visitors will have their temperature taken, health codes checked, and personal information registered.

According to the notice released by the management committee of the West Lake scenic area, the number of visitors to each scenic spot should not surpass half of the average maximum daily capacity. Provisional measures will be taken based on the real-time visitor flow.

In order to avoid congestion in the scenic area, some parks require visitors to make a reservation in advance.

Visitors can take a boat out for a spin on West Lake. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]