A NEW REGULATION on noise pollution control issued by the local government in Lijiang, Southwest China's Yunnan province, which forbids music being played during daytime in the old town and after 11:30 pm in the bar street, has triggered wide controversy and criticism. Comments:

The outdoor noise during the daytime is indeed unbearable, so the local government's attempt to control noise pollution is a welcome move. However, the new regulation is too simple and crude, since music does not equal noise. Worse, the regulation will inevitably reduce the old town's vitality, which might affect the attractiveness of Lijiang as a tourist destination. Therefore, it would be better if local officials shift their attention to figuring out other genuine causes of noise pollution in the old town with the help of the public's supervision, and then solve the problems with customized measures.

Zhengzhou Evening News, Oct 21