-You can go all over the Internet, why can’t I go– Lawyer- Because it’s illegal!

In an unexpected twist, the winds of desire have indeed made their way to Ailao Mountain.

Recently, a video by the blogger known as “Shanqu” showcasing their solo expedition into Ailao Mountain went viral online. The area, shrouded in dense forests and swirling mists, held an eerie stillness, where even birds seemed to cease their songs, amplifying its aura of danger and mystery. This once-secret locale, often referred to by local residents as the “Death Forest”—a real-life version of the “Yunnan Insect Valley”—has sparked rampant discussion across the internet.

As the buzz grew, the region experienced traffic jams, an influx of tourists, and numerous photoshoots, transforming from a “no-go zone” to a popular spot for holiday makers during the National Day break. Yet, amidst this newfound popularity, the term “Ailao Mountain” quickly became a headline-grabbing hook.

Controversy arose as the influencer “Miao Jiang Chen Duo Duo” shared her self-introduction in a short clip: “I’m Chen Duo Duo, and I have some personal matters to handle while I’m in Ailao Mountain. If I enter an area with no signal, please don’t have well-meaning individuals report me missing or make phone calls on my behalf, as that would waste public resources.”

Chen, portraying herself as a descendant of the Miao ethnic group, is notorious for sharing captivating “daily life” snippets and whimsical adventures online. During the National Day holiday, she documented her experience camping in Ailao Mountain for two nights.

However, the Ailao Mountain region is sparsely populated and encompasses vast areas that are strictly off-limits. Her video showed her wandering not only through the protected zones of Nanhua County and Zhenyuan County but also past numerous signs marking the core protected areas. Despite the occasional growls of wild animals echoing through the dense forest, she remained unfazed, even applying insect repellent and navigating with minimal light. Yet, many online users questioned her claims of being a “Miao descendant,” emphasizing her evident trespass into restricted zones.

It’s important to understand why Ailao Mountain is deemed a “forbidden area.” Historical records indicate it served as the eastern boundary of the ancient Ailao Kingdom, nestled in central Yunnan, China. Ailao Mountain is a critical geographical demarcation between the Yungui Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, as described in the travelogues of Xu Xiake, detailing its steep slopes and daunting terrain.

The rugged landscape presents significant challenges for navigation. It is prone to rapid weather changes and dangerous miasmas, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and hypothermia. Additionally, unusual magnetic field anomalies can cause compasses to malfunction, heightening the risk of getting lost. These dangers make safe passage for even professional personnel a daunting task. In November 2021, four geological surveyors tragically went missing and lost their lives in these very mountains. For ordinary folks, unauthorized ventures into Ailao Mountain can be perilous.

After the video gained traction, local authorities in the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve formally issued notices banning unauthorized entry, emphasizing that “any units or individuals are strictly forbidden to enter Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve without permission, except for local residents and reserve management personnel.”

In response to the incident, a representative from the Nanhua County Protection Office confirmed they are investigating Chen’s case and will take appropriate actions according to the regulations governing nature reserves if violations are confirmed.

Legal experts weighed in, stating, “If the blogger ‘Miao Jiang Chen Duo Duo’ entered a protected area that is not open to the public and did so without proper authorization, she has violated administrative regulations. This action not only disrupts the management order of the reserve but poses safety risks, thus constitutes a violation warranting strict penalization.”

Chen subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging her entry into the protected area and expressing her willingness to cooperate with the investigation. She insisted, however, that she had entered prior to official announcements and claimed she didn’t damage any environment, asserting that she didn’t break any laws.

Many online users pointed out that the ban had been in effect since 2022, and Chen replied to the criticisms questioning how she could have known about such an announcement.

Despite potential defenses, legal experts assert that unauthorized entry without permission is a clear violation. Even if she didn’t physically harm the forest, her blatant disregard for the posted warnings constitutes an unlawful action.

As she defended herself, Chen stated, “Everyone else can go in and stream, so why can’t I?”

However, legal professionals caution that the existence of similar behavior by others does not justify her actions. Regulatory frameworks have been established to govern such behavior, emphasizing that even those with considerable online followings must adhere to these laws.

“Outdoor enthusiasts and social media influencers should enhance their legal awareness and familiarize themselves with regulations to avoid causing social discord,” they noted.

Adventure should not equate to recklessness. While the world offers endless sights to explore, risking safety in pursuit of thrills only endangers oneself and squanders public resources. Every adventurer should prioritize safety before seeking excitement, ensuring that “forbidden zones” do not become “tourist spots,” and that “wild adventures” do not lead to “tragic outcomes.”