Xintiandi, the city's toney restaurant and nightclub complex, has become too successful for its own good.

Managers of the complex are complaining that too many tourists are wandering through the complex every day, leaving little room for their expat customers.

Some foreign customers complain about being stared at by tourists from undeveloped parts of the country as they call out "Waiguoren (foreigner)."

Ding Guanghui, manager of Xintiandi, owners of many restaurants and pubs, are complaining about a decrease in high-end customers, owning to more tour groups, who walk around and view people drinking and dining in the open as one part of the scenery.

"It is a dilemma faced by 80 percent of our open-air restaurants," said Ding. "People are really annoyed when being stared at by strangers with curious eyes."

Travel agencies, though admitting the tourists have negative impact on Xintiandi, say they can't do anything to solve the situation.

"Sometimes we try to cancel the tours to Xintiandi, but it is so famous that no traveler wants to miss it," said one saleswoman with the One-day Tour Agency.

Meanwhile, Xintiandi officials are unwilling to ban the tour groups as they account for 15 percent of their all customers -- a big source of income.

Xintiandi officials suggest local travel agencies organize tour groups to visit the Shikumen-styled architecture in the daytime, when it's less crowded.

Businessmen in the complex do 70 to 80 percent of their businesses in the evening.

"We will run a series of activities to enhance Xintiandi's attraction during the year," said Maggie Zhao, Xintiandi's PR.

(Shanghai Daily January 21, 2004)