Beijing's tourism authorities have urged local hotels to make a thorough safety inspection and scenic spots in the city to control the number of tourists beginning Monday.

The order was issued after a stampede that took place last week when over 30,000 tourists visited a lantern show in a park in Miyun County in the northern suburbs. The accident left 37 people dead and 24 others injured.

A notice of the municipal tourism administration also requires working staff at scenic spots to make necessary plans and preparations to evacuate tourists in the event of an accident.

Meanwhile, the municipal administration of commerce has demanded measures be worked out to prevent emergencies in such places as shopping malls.

Large gatherings such as sales promotions must be duly approved by authorities concerned, in order to prevent traffic jams, spread of diseases and injuries, according to the commerce administration.

Injury of customers were reported during the sales promotions of some shopping centers in Beijing before.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2004)