Do you know? There are some scenic spots on the mainland that, for various reasons, have said "no" to foreign friends. Today, I will take you to unveil this mysterious veil and take a look at our own "forbidden land" as Chinese. Each of these seven scenic spots has its own unique features, some protect precious cultural relics, and some defend our territorial integrity. Next, let's walk into these forbidden places full of stories and feel the power and temperature behind them.
1. **Henan Laojun Mountain**
- **Location**: Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province
Known as "the world's first immortal mountain", Laojun Mountain is famous for its Taoist cultural heritage, and is said to be the place where Taishang Laojun cultivates. In autumn, the mountains are full of red leaves, and in winter, they are covered in silver, like a fairyland. As a sacred place of Taoism, it is not only beautiful in nature, but also carries profound cultural significance.
2. **Sichuan Dadu River Jinkou Grand Canyon**
- **Location**: Jinkouhe District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
The only canyon in China that is explicitly off-limits to foreigners was once an important military base, and there are still military relics left today. The canyon is deep and magnificent, known as one of the "ten most beautiful canyons in China", showing the majesty and power of nature.
3. **Hainan Xisha Islands**
- Location: South China Sea
Known for its crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and unspoiled coral reefs, the Paracel Islands are China's national marine parks. Open only to Chinese citizens, it is an ideal place for diving, sea fishing and eco-tourism, and is known as the "ceiling of domestic sea views".
4. **Hubei Shennongjia**
- Location: Western Hubei Province
As a World Natural Heritage Site, Shennongjia attracts countless explorers with its primeval forests, rare flora and fauna, and mysterious savage legends. It is located in a mysterious area at 30 degrees north latitude, known as the "roof of Central China", and has many unsolved mysteries.
5. **Tibet Nanyigou**
- Location: Nyingchi City, Tibet Autonomous Region
Known as the "Little Jiangnan on the Plateau", Nanyigou is known for its unique ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and mysterious Tibetan medicine culture. With its high altitude and fragile ecological environment, it is a rare alpine forest on earth.
6. **Shaanxi Taibai Mountain**
- **Location**: Mei County, Taibai County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province
The highest peak of the Qinling Mountains is known for its beautiful peaks, abundant animal and plant resources, and long Taoist cultural history. While not all areas are explicitly off-limits to foreigners, access to certain areas may be restricted for reasons such as ecological protection.
7. **Seda**
- Location: Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Although Seda appears on some lists, there is some controversy as to whether or not there is actually a total ban on foreigners. Famous for its spectacular Five Ming Buddhist Institutes and thousands of red monastic houses, Serta is an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture that attracts the attention of the world.
Each of these scenic spots has its own unique charm, and their conservation measures reflect not only the cherishing of natural resources, but also the importance of national security and cultural heritage protection. For Chinese citizens, visiting these places is a rare experience, allowing them to experience the great rivers and mountains and the profound history and culture of the motherland up close.