Shops at scenic spot face outpouring of criticism for charging tourists rain shelter fee – US$3.5 for standing, US$5.6 for sitting
- Authorities are making inquiries after tourist posted video of a restaurant telling travellers seeking shelter from rain to pay
- Several people online say they have had similar experiences when seeking refuge at same tourist attraction
Shops at the Mount Tai tourist area in eastern China have caused controversy after it was revealed they were charging tourists for shelter from heavy rain.
In a viral video, the owner of a restaurant located at the top of Mount Tai in Shandong province is seen outside the eatery loudly telling a group of rain-soaked travellers the fees for sheltering inside – 25 yuan (US$3.5) for standing and 40 yuan (US$5.6) for sitting, The Paper reported.
The tourist who took the video said he climbed the mountain on the evening of July 24, hoping to watch the sunrise the following morning.
However, when they encountered heavy rainfall, they found there was no shelter from the rain at the summit, said the man, whose name was not mentioned in the video.
Desperate, he paid the restaurant for shelter after seeing other tourists, including children, who were drenched.
