Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing number of 5A tourist attractions in China, questioning their quality and the criteria for their designation, suggesting that many have become "watered down" or lack genuine appeal [5][6][12]. Group 1: Expansion of 5A Scenic Areas - The number of 5A scenic areas has increased significantly, reaching 358 by 2024, with a notable addition of 40 new sites, marking a peak in the last decade [7][8]. - The initial 5A scenic areas, established in 2007, included famous sites like the Summer Palace and the Great Wall, which were once highly regarded and attracted massive tourist crowds [7][8]. Group 2: Quality Concerns - Despite the increase in quantity, the quality of many 5A scenic areas has declined, with some long-established sites losing their reputation and new additions facing skepticism [8][10]. - Social media feedback highlights significant dissatisfaction with certain 5A sites, such as Tianya Haijiao and Yellow Crane Tower, where visitors felt misled by the actual experiences compared to their expectations [10][12]. Group 3: Criticism of the Evaluation System - The criteria for achieving 5A status focus more on service and environmental quality rather than the scenic appeal, with a scoring system that prioritizes infrastructure over visitor experience [17][20]. - The evaluation process has been criticized for allowing sites with minimal cultural or natural significance to attain 5A status, leading to perceptions of "fake" or "watered-down" attractions [12][14]. Group 4: Common Issues in 5A Scenic Areas - Many 5A scenic areas suffer from poor management, inadequate facilities, and excessive commercialization, which detracts from the visitor experience [24][25]. - Reports of long queues, unsatisfactory hygiene conditions, and aggressive pricing strategies have become common complaints among tourists [26][28]. Group 5: Emergence of Alternative Ratings - In response to the perceived decline in quality of 5A attractions, there is a growing call for a new rating system, such as a proposed "6A" designation, to better reflect the true quality of tourist destinations [29][30]. - Popular sites like Jiuzhaigou are highlighted as exemplary models due to their natural beauty and effective management, contrasting sharply with many current 5A sites [30][34].