The Siguniang Mountain Photo: Xinhua

Two tourists have been handed a lifetime ban from entering the Siguniang Mountain scenic area in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, after disregarding park regulations during a treacherous hike.

The decision came in the wake of a growing number of accidents and incidents involving outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

According to the statement, the tourists, 31-year-old Wang and 41-year-old Cai, purchased tickets and entered the Longpingou section of the mountain on Sunday, for a hiking expedition. Despite clear signs and warnings from park staff, they proceeded with their hike, eventually encountering adverse weather conditions, including snowfall, later in the evening.

Realizing the danger of their situation, the two called for assistance due to symptoms of hypothermia, altitude sickness, and disorientation. They were subsequently rescued by a search and rescue team.

The statement said the two tourists' actions posed a significant risk and negative impact on the mountain's conservation and management efforts. "Wang and Cai have been permanently banned from entering the Siguniang Mountain scenic area for any form of tourism or sightseeing activities," according to the statement.

In recent years, the Siguniang Mountain, known for its rugged and pristine terrain, has attracted outdoor enthusiasts, especially novice climbers, seeking to conquer its main peaks. However, a rising number of accidents, including altitude sickness, fractures, and falls, have prompted authorities to implement stricter regulations and safety measures.

On September 18, 2023, the management bureau of the mountain issued a notice, which explicitly banned several prohibited actions, such as entering the park for outdoor activities without authorization, using sightseeing tickets for outdoor activities, and venturing into restricted areas without permission.

Those found violating these rules will be added to the scenic area's list of untrustworthy visitors and face a lifetime ban from all tourism and outdoor activities within the park.

In September 2018, the Siguangniang Mountain scenic area introduced a notice, outlining specific circumstances in which individuals or groups could be subject to fees for rescue services.

According to the notice, those who venture into the region without proper authorization and subsequently require rescue due to emergencies, unauthorized alterations to declared mountain sports plans including timing, routes, or activities, or engaging in mountain sports activities like climbing, hiking, and rock climbing without adhering to regulations, may fall within the scope of paid rescue services.

Furthermore, individuals or groups who provide false or misleading information when seeking assistance during emergencies are also included.

In August 2019, a precedent was set when the mountain provided rescue services to a visitor from South China's Guangdong Province, who was trapped for several days in the mountain after entering without obtaining the necessary permits for outdoor activities.

Following his successful rescue, he paid 3,000 yuan for covering part of expenses incurred during the rescue and was fined 2,000 yuan. This case represented the first instance of a paid rescue within the scenic area since the implementation of the management measures in September 2018.

Recently, multiple local authorities in Sichuan, jointly issued a notice aimed at reinforcing guidance to discourage unauthorized entry into undeveloped and restricted areas. The notice emphasized that individuals causing damage, disputes, injuries, or fatalities by venturing into such areas would bear corresponding responsibilities and consequences.

Global Times