Beijing closes forest parks to prevent fires

Eight forest parks in Beijing have been closed to the public until the spring to reduce the risk of fires through the dry and windy winter season, when accidental conflagrations are more common.

The parks will reopen next year when the "fire season" comes to an end, according to the report from Legal Evening News on Tuesday.

Travelers are barred from access to eight forest parks and scenic spots. Other forest parks, meanwhile, will limit access to certain areas and visitors are required to call ahead to arrange access.

Seven parks will remain closed until the end of April, said the city's landscaping department.

They are: Songshan National Nature Reserve, Yaji Mountain Forest Park, and the national forest parks of Yunmengshan, Huangsongyu, Qifengshan, Xiaolongmen and Labagoumen.

The Badaling National Forest Park, meanwhile, will reopen in May.