China has issued new guidelines mandating improved payment services for the elderly and international travelers at starred hotels and tourist destinations.

The guidelines, jointly released by the People's Bank of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, require hotels with three stars or above and top-rated tourist attractions to accept a wider range of payment methods.

These establishments must now support all types of card payments, including both domestic and foreign bank cards. Additionally, key tourist locations like attractions, public libraries, and museums are mandated to maintain staffed payment services and allow cash transactions for visitors who may not have access to digital payment options.

To further enhance convenience for international travelers, the guidelines call for the designation of more foreign currency exchange locations in tourist areas with high visitor traffic. Additionally, e-payment systems will be further optimized to simplify online and on-site transactions for tourists.

The four government departments will collaborate with local authorities to ensure these measures are effectively implemented, aiming to improve both public service and the overall business environment within China's tourism sector.