Currently, Qinghai Province has announced travel ban for the national level nature reserves related to Sanjiangyuan, Mt. Qilian and Qinghai Lake in Hoh Xil and the origin of Yellow River.

These tourism areas with “no visitor” orders are extremely sensitive zones in the Qinghai eco-system. In recent years, as tourism and outdoor sports have become more popular in the region, more visitors have come to visit Sanjiangyuan National Park, Mt. Qilian National Park, and other outdoor adventure sites. The increased visits have brought more damage to these sensitive eco-systems, with more littering by tourists, which has polluted local pasture and water sources. The more frequent visits have also impacted the animals’ habitat.