Some Chinese universities are considering a limit on the surging number of visitors to their campuses amid concerns that the tourists might disrupt the running of the university. Should visitors be banned or restricted from entering the campuses?
Many of the well-known colleges around the world have places of historical significance or cultural value, for instance, Cambridge or Harvard. They have become tourist attractions that bring more people to campus, which makes campus look busier to people are visiting for admissions and increases awareness of the school. So, by all means, university campuses should be open to both prospective students and the regular public.
A crowd of tourists wait in front of the west gate of Tsinghua University to visit the campus in Beijing, China
There are a lot of benefits for opening the campus for the tourists. First of all, it is a free advertisement for campus. In fact, it is a common practice not only in China but also in other parts of world . When you travel in the US or UK, especially on package travel, most travel agencies will offer a trip to Cambridge or Oxford for you and your kids. Secondly, it is a good chance for you and your kids to get to know the famous campus and encourage them to go there to study. It is also a good way for the government to boost local tourism. On the other hand, the campus should strengthen the management of open areas and keep a restriction on visitors.
Tourists pose for photos in front of a gate of Peking University in Beijing, China
The campus should be open to tourists as long as students' normal lives are not interrupted. Universities are places of learning instead of scenic spots. A quiet environment with minimal distractions should be foremost and guaranteed. Visitors are free to appreciate the beauty of the university, but the precondition is that they should not disturb those who are studying there.
People flock to see the cherry blossoms at Wuhan University
Source: chinadaily.com.cn