BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The management committee in Tian'anmen Square has asked journalists to make a voluntary prior booking with them if they want to work in the Square.

"The requirement is not mandatory, but a prior notice would help us provide better service," a woman surnamed Meng told Xinhua, who was responsible for answering calls.

Up till now, around 20 to 30 foreign media staff had made appointment through the phone every day, Meng said.

She said that the committee did not have the authority to ban journalists from working in the Square.

Both reporters and photographers could book by phone one day in advance through the 24-hour contact number 010-65192581 and 65118714, said the committee.

To make an interview appointment, the reporters need to have registered or unregistered press cards, who will get priority in entering the square and have a guide service. All reporters should enter through the channel on the east side of the square (opposite to the west gate of the National Museum), said a notice published on the official website of the municipal government.

Tian'anmen Square is to hold large-scale cultural events during the Olympics, and massive crowds are expected in the area to view the flower display, said the notice.