TRAVELERS are expected to have access to two more free public beaches in Shenzhen soon, taking the number of free public beaches in the city up to three.

    Beaches in Xichong and Huwan in eastern Dapeng New Area will join Dameisha to become free public beaches, according to Liang Junqian, vice director of the urban planning commission, Tuesday.

    Liang also cleared up a rumor claiming that Dameisha would charge 30 yuan (US$4.76) for tourists from May to October to curb visitors.

    Liang said the commission is working on a beach management plan and will gradually open more of the city’s beaches to the public for free in the near future.

    He said among the city’s 56 beaches, 27 will soon be opened to the public while 29 will be kept closed temporarily. Among the 27, 11 will be developed for public use and 16 will be developed for waterfront tourism and coastal recreation.

    The commission is considering dividing the 11 public beaches into three categories. The three free beaches fall into one category, while a second category consisting of five beaches will have paid access regulated by the government. The third, including Xiaomeisha and Dongchong beaches, will carry out a market price mechanism.(Anna Zhao)