Those who carry out mining or quarrying activities or build non-approved hotels or other buildings in China's scenic spots will be fined 500,000 to one million yuan (one U.S. dollar equals some eight yuan), according to the Regulations on Scenic Spots Protection.

The Regulations, which were publicized in full on www.gov.cn on Friday, will come into effect on Oct. 1.

The regulations said those who destroy the charm of scenic spots by mining, quarrying or building hotels without approval will be required to restore the original scenery, demolish their illegal buildings by a certain date and will be fined 500,000 to one million yuan.

Those who erect commercial advertising in these places, or hold entertainment or other activities which contaminate the water supply, will be fined 50,000 to 100,000 yuan and be required by scenic spot administrations to suspend their wrongdoing and restore the scenery's original appearance. If the consequences are very serious, the fine will be increased to 100,000-200,000 yuan, according to the regulations.

Writing graffiti in scenic spots will be fined 50 yuan and perpetrators will be asked to restore the original appearance, said the Regulations.

As the seven-day-long National Day holidays approach, tens of millions of tourists will soon be flocking to scenic spots all over the country, putting heavy pressure on these picturesque places.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2006)