Hoh Xil

Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday that the Hoh Xil wilderness is to be opened to tourists, but with an annual limit of 1,000 visitors because of concerns for the delicate ecology of the region.

The head of Hoh Xil Eco-Exploration Travel Agency, Xiao Jinghui, told Xinhua that each tour group will comprise at most 15 people. Following the same routes as park wardens, tourists will be able to explore the mysterious snow mountain and its surrounding grasslands, appreciate the area's rare and endangered wildlife, experience the life of the wardens, and perform environmentally-friendly tasks during a five or six day visit.

Tourists will be required to present health certificates when applying to join a tour of Hoh Xil, and will have to undergo a physical check-up on arrival at the nearest city, Golmud, to ensure they are physically fit to complete the tour. Once inside the nature reserve, tourists will have to strictly observe environmental protection rules and regulations.

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is China's largest, and the world's third largest, uninhabited area. It is one of the planet's best-protected original wildernesses, and a well-known haven for endangered and rare species. Its unique plateau ecosystem, wetlands, and stunning natural scenery, mean Hoh Xil is likely to become a prime eco-tourism destination.

In 2004 the Chinese feature film Kekexili: Mountain Patrol drew world attention to the region's natural beauty and the struggle of park wardens against poachers who prey on its endangered wildlife.