Free passes for Beijing attractions

The Beijing Tourism Authority will offer free admission passes throughout China next week.

From May 8 visitors with the passes will be entitled to free admission to two of 10 landmarks in the capital, including the Summer Palace and the National Center for the Performing Arts, Shanghai Morning Post reported today.

The authority plans to mail out 2 million passes - 700,000 for Beijing residents. People can apply for the passes at Ctrip.com and while each adult is entitled to one free pass, adolescents can get two free passes.

Visitors using the passes need to show a valid ID and the promotion will run until the end of the year.

The authority also plans a series of lucky draws for pass holders.