Beijing subway soon to welcome guide dogs

This undated photo shows a guide dog in a subway. (Photo: Xinhuanet)

(ECNS) -- Beijing will allow guide dogs to board subway lines starting from May 1 next year, according to the city's new regulations.

Visually impaired passengers will be able to take guide dogs into the subway if they provide a certificate of visual difficulty and a guide dog license.

The regulation also requires the guide dog to wear a harness and a muzzle.

A visually impaired passenger with a guide dog was barred by a Beijing subway station in July 2013, triggering heated debate online.