Is it illegal to go into the water at a scenic spot? Must-know tourism regulations!

Compiled from: China Youth Daily, The Paper
 
Case review
On the afternoon of August 7, a social media user posted a video showing four tourists wading barefoot into the water to take photos at the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area in Aba Prefecture, sparking widespread discussion online.

 
 

In the viral video, several tourists at the Jiuzhaigou scenic area were seen laughing and taking photos barefoot in the water, while other visitors stood by the shore. Many netizens commented: "This is a World Natural Heritage site. How many years will it take for the water quality to recover after being damaged?"
 
On August 9, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Administration told the media that on August 7, four tourists visiting the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area left the designated boardwalks and trails without authorization and stepped into the water on the beach. After the incident occurred, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Administration attached great importance to it, joined forces with relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct an investigation in accordance with the law, and located the four tourists within Songpan County.
 
Investigation revealed that four tourists willfully left the designated tour routes and walkways, trampled vegetation, and waded into the shoals, in violation of Article 27, Item (7) of the Regulations on Scenic and Historic Areas of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Pursuant to Article 46 of the same Regulations, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic and Historic Area Administration imposed administrative penalties on them in accordance with the law. The four tourists recognized the seriousness of the matter, deeply reflected on their actions, accepted the penalties, and issued written apologies.

 

 
Regulations on Scenic Areas
Article 26
The following activities are prohibited within scenic and historic areas:
(1) Activities such as quarrying, mining, land reclamation, and erecting graves or monuments that damage landscapes, vegetation, and topography;
(2) Constructing facilities for storing explosive, flammable, radioactive, toxic, or corrosive substances;
(3) Carving or defacing scenery or facilities;
(4) Littering.
 
Article 44
Whoever, in violation of the provisions of these Regulations, carves or defaces scenic objects or facilities, or litters in a scenic and historic area, shall be ordered by the administrative agency of the scenic and historic area to restore the original state or take other remedial measures, and shall be fined 50 yuan; whoever carves, defaces, or intentionally damages in other ways cultural relics or scenic and historic sites under state protection shall be punished in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Law on Public Security Administration Punishments; if the act constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued in accordance with law.
 
 
The Regulations on Scenic and Historic Areas of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Article 27
The following activities or behaviors are prohibited within scenic and historic areas:
……
(7) Climbing over or straddling safety barriers, leaving the touring boardwalk or trails at will to trample vegetation, play in the water, etc.;
……
 
Article 46
……
Anyone violating the provisions of Article 27, Item (7) of these regulations shall be ordered by the scenic area management authority to restore the original state or take other remedial measures, and shall be fined not less than 50 yuan but not more than 200 yuan. If a safety accident occurs due to personal reasons, the responsible individual shall bear full liability.
……

 

 
[1] The author's perspective
During the summer vacation, many people take their children to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of our country. However, uncivilized behaviors are often seen during travels, such as littering, swimming in unauthorized areas, and even graffiti, all of which are actually illegal. As early as 2006, the State Council issued the Regulations on Scenic and Historic Areas, and any violation will result in corresponding legal consequences.
 
From the above regulations, it can be seen that littering in scenic and historic areas is also an illegal act. Therefore, we should enhance our environmental awareness in daily life and never do evil because it is small. To better protect the beautiful landscapes, each of us should start from ourselves, as it is everyone's responsibility to protect the environment.