Price Regulations Announced in Shanxi for National Exams, Targeting Accommodation, Food, and Transport

On June 2nd, the Shanxi Provincial Market Supervision and Administration issued a notice to regulate price conduct in relevant sectors during the 2026 national middle school and college entrance examination periods.

The notice focuses on four key areas around examination venues: accommodation, catering, transportation and parking, and online bookings, establishing price control measures to prevent price gouging and price fraud during the peak exam season, ensuring candidates can prepare and take their exams with peace of mind.

The notice details industry-wide rules for clear price labeling and business practices. Hotels and homestays must clearly display room rates, check-out times, and additional charges at the front desk and are prohibited from arbitrary price increases. Catering businesses are to implement a policy of confirming prices before meals, with separate labeling for any paid items like utensils or napkins.

For transportation, traditional taxis must adhere strictly to government-guided pricing, while ride-hailing services should set reasonable fares. Special exam transport services are not allowed to impose mid-journey surcharges. Parking lots must clearly display fee schedules and any free parking durations.

Major online platforms for accommodation booking, food delivery, and transportation are required to prominently display prices or fee standards within their apps. Once an order is confirmed, platforms are prohibited from unilaterally imposing temporary price hikes or forcing cancellations.

The notice clarifies that market supervision departments in Shanxi will increase inspection frequency around exam venues and on online platforms during the exam periods, strictly investigating and penalizing illegal activities such as failing to display prices clearly, breaching contracts to raise prices, and imposing unauthorized charges.

Candidates and parents encountering irregular pricing practices are advised to retain evidence such as receipts and order screenshots and can report violations through the 12315 or 12345 hotlines.