Restricted Areas in China and Precautions

When traveling in China, certain areas may impose restrictions on visitors (including foreign tourists) for reasons such as national security, ecological protection, or cultural preservation. Below are the main categories of restricted areas and specific explanations:

1. Military Management Zones

1. No-Entry Areas
2. Core areas of Chinese military bases, training grounds, and weapon testing sites are strictly off-limits and usually not publicly marked.

3. Common Area Examples:

   • Certain coastal areas around Sanya, Hainan (involving naval bases).
   • Radar stations and observation points in some coastal or border regions.

4. Precautions

5. Military zones typically have clear warning signs (such as "Military Restricted Area" or "No Photography").
6. If mistakenly entering or approaching, you might be asked to cooperate with safety checks; please follow the instructions of the staff.

2. Border Control Zones

1. Areas Requiring Advance Application
2. Border areas where China meets neighboring countries (such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, etc.) generally require obtaining a 《Border Pass》.

3. Common Area Examples:

   • Tibet: Base Camp of Mount Everest, Ngari region (requires arranging through a travel agency to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit + Border Pass).
   • Xinjiang: Baihaba Village near Kanas Lake, Tashkurgan County (Border Pass needs to be processed in Kashgar or Urumqi).
   • Yunnan: Some border villages in Ruili and Tengchong.

4. Application Process

5. Apply through a travel agency or local public security bureau, providing passport, visa, itinerary plans, and other materials.

3. Nature Reserves and Ecological Protection Areas

1. Restricted Entry Areas
2. To protect fragile ecosystems, core areas of some nature reserves are off-limits to tourists, while buffer zones require special approval.

3. Common Area Examples:

   • Hoh Xil (Kekexili) Nature Reserve, Qinghai: Only accessible by research teams.
   • Qiangtang Nature Reserve, Tibet: Requires advance application with the forestry department.

4. Alternative Options

5. Choose open scenic spots (such as the Qinghai Lake loop, peripheral areas of Sanjiangyuan) for eco-tourism.

4. Cultural Preservation and Unopened Historical Sites

1. Restricted Access Areas
2. Some undeveloped historical sites or religious venues may prohibit tourist access.
3. Common Area Examples:
   • Mogao Caves, Dunhuang: Special caves require additional reservations and limited visitor numbers.
   • Wild Sections of the Great Wall (such as Jiankou): Due to safety risks, authorities recommend visiting only the open sections (such as Badaling or Mutianyu).

5. Other Sensitive Areas

1. Autonomous Regions
2. When traveling in autonomous regions like Tibet and Xinjiang, it’s important to pay attention to local laws and customs.
3. Tibet Autonomous Region: Foreign tourists must join group tours arranged by travel agencies and hold a 《Tibet Travel Permit》to enter.

4. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Advance reporting of itineraries may be required for some remote areas.

5. Temporary Controlled Areas

6. During major events (such as international conferences or sports events), some cities may temporarily designate controlled zones; official notifications should be followed.

How to Confirm if an Area is Restricted?

1. Consult Travel Agencies in Advance: When planning trips involving borders or sensitive areas, it's recommended to entrust reputable travel agencies to handle procedures.
2. Check Government Announcements: Visit the website of the National Immigration Administration of China (www.nia.gov.cn) or local tourism and culture bureaus for the latest information.
3. Use Navigation Apps: Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps, and others often mark certain restricted areas (such as military zones).

Consequences of Violations

Entering restricted areas without permission may result in the following risks:
- Being legally asked to leave or fined.
- In severe cases, legal liabilities under laws such as the 《National Security Law of the People's Republic of China》 or 《Exit and Entry Administration Law》 could arise.

Friendly Reminder:
- It is suggested to confirm whether your destination is restricted during the early stages of trip planning to avoid affecting your travel experience.
- Be patient and cooperative when encountering inspections or inquiries.