During the recent National Day holiday, the Ailao Mountains in Yunnan sparked considerable interest both offline and online. Yet, amid the excitement, many questions and concerns remain. Is it safe for travelers to explore the Ailao Mountains? Why is it forbidden to venture into the deeper parts of the mountains without proper permission? As an increasing number of visitors look for adventurous experiences beyond traditional attractions, how should we address this growing demand for exploration? In this episode of “News 1+1,” we take a closer look at the complexities of transforming “restricted areas” into “tourist destinations.”
Which areas of the Ailao Mountains are open to tourists?
Ma Liuyi, Deputy Director of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, explains, “According to the Natural Reserve Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve is divided into core, buffer, and experimental zones. Tourism activities are prohibited in both the core and buffer zones; however, they can occur in the experimental zone with the proper approvals from reserve management. Currently, three scenic spots have been developed in the Xinping region of the Ailao Mountains: the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Jinshan Primitive Forest, and Shimen Gorge, where visitors can engage in moderate activities. We also have rural tourism reception points that showcase traditional villages, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in local culture and savor regional cuisine.”
What are the dangers of entering undeveloped areas?
Ma Liuyi notes, “In the Yi language, ‘Ailao’ denotes a place where tigers and leopards roam, highlighting the rugged terrain filled with steep slopes and cliffs. There are no established safe paths for travelers. The weather can be highly unpredictable; you might experience all four seasons on a single mountain, and conditions can shift suddenly, leading to severe weather, including heavy rain and hail. The primitive forests are home to various wild animals, such as bears, leopards, and venomous snakes, which heighten the risks of getting lost, suffering from oxygen deprivation, falling, hypothermia, or wildlife encounters. During this year’s National Day holiday, we took immediate steps to respond to the surge in visitors by providing safety reminders through both online and offline channels. We put up safety signs at attractions and major crossroads and shared safety guidelines on platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo to encourage adequate preparation. Our main advice is to stay out of areas that are not open to the public due to the inherent dangers.”
How can we accommodate the growing number of visitors eager to experience the Ailao Mountains?
Ma Liuyi shares, “Yuxi City is adopting three strategies to gear up for the influx of tourists. First, we are improving the infrastructure at existing scenic areas like Shimen Gorge, the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and Jinshan Primitive Forest to enhance visitor capacity. Second, we plan to create a variety of forest hiking routes within safe zones, providing options like forest trekking and educational experiences that foster a deeper appreciation of the primal forests’ beauty. Third, the Ailao Mountains are well-known for their high concentration of negatively charged ions—up to 24,000 per cubic centimeter—earning it the title of a ‘lung-rejuvenation haven.’ We’ve identified 12 traditional villages with valuable resources around the protected area and aim to develop tourism and wellness offerings, for which we are currently seeking partners to collaborate.”
How should we meet the diverse travel demands of visitors?
In addition to the Ailao Mountains, the growing demand for adventure tourism in natural settings raises important questions. What support should government departments and the market provide?
Dai Bin, Director of the China Tourism Research Institute, emphasizes, “First, we need to establish clear legal boundaries. It’s essential to precisely define which areas are strictly off-limits, which have restricted access requiring approvals, and which can be explored freely. Legal provisions should be more explicit; many guidelines are currently principled but lack the detailed directions that we need to implement.
“Second, once these regulations are in place, we must actively educate visitors using media and travel agencies to ensure everyone understands them. Tour operators usually conduct pre-trip education sessions to clarify these rules. Upon arriving at their destination, tourists should receive additional reminders and information. We cannot assume that visitors will inherently grasp legal requirements without thorough explanation. Ultimately, we need to promote responsible, informed travel practices.”
