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Still Relying on Manual Tour Guiding? Learn How to Use QR Codes to Build a Smart Scenic Area Guide System ​

Original: https://cli.im/article/detail/2351

In recent years, QR codes, seemingly inconspicuous tools, have begun to shine in scenic area management. Through simple "one code per attraction," visitors only need to take out their phones, scan the code, and instantly access attraction introductions, listen to audio guides, and even browse historical videos. This method is not only easy to use but also allows scenic areas to digitally upgrade their guide services at an extremely low cost. This article shares a practical solution to help scenic area staff convey information more efficiently while providing visitors with a better experience.

Why Are Traditional Guide Methods "Inadequate"? ​

In many scenic areas, especially small and medium-sized ones, manual guiding remains the mainstream. Having a guide stand by an attraction and vividly narrate historical stories certainly adds warmth. However, this approach has its limitations.

First, labor costs are a significant issue. During peak seasons, when visitors flood in, guides can't keep up, forcing visitors to queue or simply give up. In off-seasons, with few visitors, guides' salaries still need to be paid, creating a supply-demand imbalance that troubles scenic area managers.

Second, guiding quality is hard to standardize. Each guide has a different style and knowledge base. Some narrate vividly, while others merely recite scripts, and mistakes occasionally occur, leading to inconsistent visitor experiences. Moreover, information access isn't flexible enough. Visitors who miss the guided tour either resort to fragmented online searches or flip through outdated brochures, which is time-consuming and may not provide authoritative content.

Paper brochures aren't much better. While they fill some gaps, they often feature outdated designs, are cumbersome to update, and are easily discarded. For visitors who prefer "traveling light," who wants to carry around a stack of papers? As for electronic screens, while they look sophisticated, they come with high maintenance costs, offer limited information, and may malfunction in rainy weather, reducing their practicality. In contrast, QR codes are like "light cavalry" in the digital transformation of scenic areas—small yet capable of handling tough tasks. Their advantages lie in simplicity and problem-solving:

  • Easy to Use: Visitors don't need to download an app; they can simply scan with WeChat, making it accessible even for elderly users.
  • Flexible Content: Attraction information can be updated anytime via the backend, eliminating the need for reprinting like with paper brochures.
  • Low Cost: Generating a QR code costs almost nothing, and printing it for placement near attractions is far more economical than developing an app.
  • Rich Formats: Text, images, audio, and video can all be incorporated, allowing for diverse presentation styles.

For scenic areas, this is nothing short of a "magic tool." Imagine a small attraction with only two or three staff members needing to provide guide services for 20 spots—relying on manual guiding is clearly impractical. But with QR codes, simply organize the materials, generate the codes, print and post them, and the job can be done in just a few hours, saving both money and effort.

Five Steps to Build a QR Code Guide System ​

There are many QR code tools available, and platforms like "CaoLiao QR Code" are quite popular. They not only generate QR codes but also offer templates and support bulk operations. Most importantly, they are free to use, with no limits on the number of QR codes or uploads of images and files, and the QR codes are permanently valid, making them especially suitable for scenic areas with limited budgets. Below, I'll use it as an example to guide you step by step.

Step 1: Collect and Organize Materials ​

Start by gathering information for each attraction, such as the name, historical background, a few appealing photos, or an audio guide. Organizing this in an Excel spreadsheet will make the QR code creation process smoother. For example:

  • Attraction Name: Old South Gate
  • Introduction: Built in the early Qing Dynasty, 10 meters high, once served as a defensive structure...
  • Materials: Old photos + drone aerial shots
  • Audio: 2-minute narration recording

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Template ​

Log in to the "CaoLiao QR Code" official website and select a template from their library, such as "Exhibit Introduction" or "Scenic Spot Introduction." Their templates are free to use and can be customized to your needs. You can add more images, text descriptions, and even external links, such as the scenic area's official website or video channel links—simple and practical.

Step 3: Generate QR Codes in Bulk for Attractions/Exhibits ​

Upload your spreadsheet, and the system will automatically generate a QR code for each attraction. After generation, you can continue to adjust the content in the backend whenever needed, with the QR code image remaining the same.

Step 4: Design Attractive QR Codes and Place Them On-Site ​

The CaoLiao platform offers various beautification options and numerous label styles. Choose one that matches the scenic area's vibe. The generated QR codes can be printed as small signs, stickers, or even engraved on stones and placed near the attractions for visitors to scan and access information easily.

Step 5: Update Anytime and Leverage Data ​

The backend allows real-time content updates, such as adding temporary event notices or replacing audio recordings. It also tracks scan counts and visit times, helping you identify the most popular attractions and optimize operations accordingly.

QR Codes vs. Apps: Which Is Better for Scenic Areas? ​

Some scenic area managers might wonder: Since QR codes are so simple, should we just develop an app instead? Actually, it depends on your budget and team. For most scenic areas, QR codes are clearly more suitable:

  • Fast: Create and use on the same day, no development wait.
  • Cost-Effective: Update content with a few clicks in the backend, no need for programmers.
  • Simple: Visitors don't need to install software; just scan the code.
  • Flexible: Add features anytime without releasing new versions.

While apps offer more functions, development costs can run into tens of thousands, plus ongoing maintenance, which not every scenic area can afford. Moreover, visitors need to download the app, and many may skip it due to the hassle. Most importantly, QR codes can achieve similar effects as apps and can even be integrated into the scenic area's WeChat official account menu, making them more convenient for visitors.

For small scenic areas with limited staff and budgets, QR codes can quickly fill the gap in guiding services. For larger scenic areas, they can complement existing services and enhance efficiency. No matter how technology evolves, such a simple and practical approach will always have its place. But for now, QR codes are undoubtedly the king of cost-effectiveness.