A view of the Yadan landform in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest China's Qinghai Province Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Authorities in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest China's Qinghai Province have issued a warning banning illegal entry into nature reserves and "no man's lands" in the prefecture, citing significant risks to tourist life and property safety.
 
The statement was published on Wednesday by the local bureau of culture, sports, tourism, radio and television along with the local public security bureau.

According to the statement , the prefecture covers a vast area and is characterized by a typical high-altitude, arid continental climate. The region is home to expansive landscapes of yardangs, danxia landforms, deserts, gobi plains, salt flats, grasslands and lakes. Many parts of the area are sparsely populated, with weak or no mobile signal, dramatic temperature shifts between day and night and frequent extreme weather.
 
The complex terrain includes numerous "no man's lands" and high-risk wilderness zones. Entering these areas on foot or by vehicle — including uninhabited regions and unopened or undeveloped scenic sites — poses unpredictable risks such as dehydration, oxygen deprivation, getting lost, vehicle entrapment and loss of contact. Rescue operations in these conditions can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, said the statement.
Tourists are urged to assess their health and technical preparedness before trips and staying on designated roads such as national, provincial and rural highways, and to avoid exploring undeveloped scenic sites or unregulated wilderness areas. 

Travelers are also advised to pay close attention to weather forecasts, geological alerts  and traffic conditions, stock up on essential supplies, and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained to help ensure a safe journey.
In the event of an emergency during outdoor expeditions, organizers and participants should promptly activate self-rescue plans, take effective emergency measures, remain calm, and carry out self-rescue or mutual assistance while evacuating from dangerous areas as quickly as possible.

If external help is needed, they should immediately seek assistance from professional rescue teams or local authorities. While awaiting rescue, individuals should endeavor to conserve energy, remain calm, follow instructions, and avoid panic or disorderly behavior.

The notice also addresses travel companies, private clubs and other organizations, warning them to avoid organizing expeditions into protected or undeveloped areas under the guise of adventurous expeditions, exploration, or scientific research, unless officially approved. Organizers bear full legal responsibility for any consequences arising from such activities. Those found in violation may face administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.
 
In addition, the cost of search and rescue operations resulting from unauthorized travel will be borne entirely by the organizers and individuals involved, according to the statement.

The statement comes after a number of incidents occurred in recent years, including a case reported by Xinhua in September 2023. At the time, four tourists rented an off-road vehicle and followed GPS directions into a glacial area of Haixi. Their car became stuck in a muddy, unmarked road. They were eventually rescued after local police and a volunteer rescue team responded to an alert from the tourists' families.

Global Times