A growing number of local residents are taking advantage of the slow tourism season to visit nearby old towns known for their well preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The shanghai Sightseeing Bus Center sent six packed buses last Saturday heading to Tongli, Jiangsu Province.

"This is a good time to go to the town, because there are few visitors after the National Day holiday," said Cao Ling, who is planning to make a trip to several nearby scenic spots with friends.

Besides tongli, the center will increase the number of buses heading for Xitang and Nanxun in Zhejiang Province, and Luzhi in Jiangsu Province, for the next three Saturdays.

It is offering one free bus ticket to anyone that buys two tickets.

"As many people complained that the seats heading for the scenic spots were too limited during the National Day holiday, we hope the discount will make up for that," said Yao Weirong, deputy director of the center.

Tickets range in price from 100 yuan (US$12) to 120 yuan, which includes the bus trip and admission to scenic spots.

(Shanghai Daily November 7, 2005)