The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Tuesday announced a nationwide campaign to adjust admission prices at major tourism sites.

"During the adjustment period, no price hikes will be allowed at tourist sites. For those already charging high admission fees, adjustments must be made," the NDRC said on its website.

The campaign, which will last a year, is a joint effort by eight government departments. They released a joint notice on April 9 to standardize admission fees nationwide.

The move is aimed at promoting the healthy development of tourism amid increasing competition among tourist sites, China Daily was told by the National Administration of Tourism.

"Some admission fees at tourist sites are too high," Li Nan, a spokeswoman for the administration, said.

The announcement is partly related to the May Day holiday when a large number of people visit tourist sites, she said.

The cost of a ticket at the Huangshan Mountain resort in Anhui province is 200 yuan ($29) and for the Jiuzhaigou resort in Sichuan province, 220 yuan. The notice ordered price cuts for children, students, retired people and the disabled.