A new regulation on noise pollution control has been 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. It also regulates that the outdoor noise must be controlled at 55 decibels.

The local government believes that the high-power stereos in the shops and bars are the main source of noise in the town.

The music ban has triggered wide controversy and criticism.

Mu, the owner of a musical instrument shop in Lijiang said that the noise pollution control measure was out of his expectation. The music ban would seriously affect his business.

"A famous tourist resort without music will be in the doldrums. If the tourists cannot enjoy the beautiful folk songs and feel the custom, how can such a place still be attractive?" a reader of People's Daily Online commented.

According to Zhengzhou Evening New, 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 to 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.

The old town of Lijiang is a famous tourist attraction for its traditional ethnic culture and customs, inimitable buildings and the wonderful natural views. It was often criticized for the bad business climate in recent years.