Investigation launched into Chinese vlogger for camping in primitive Ailao Mountains

(ECNS) -- An investigation by local authorities has begun into a Chinese vlogger who went camping in primitive Ailao Mountains of southwest China’s Yunnan Province for two days.

The vlogger, known online as is Miaojiang Chen Duoduo, posted a video showing how she crossed two protected regions of the mountains in both Nanhua County and Zhenyuan County respectively, as well as a core protected area. The management and protection departments of the two counties have decided to launch an investigation into her.

During the National Day holiday, the Ailao Mountains experienced a surge in visitors following a viral video which showed a vlogger Shanqu, a colorist, collecting minerals. Shanqu was criticized by local authorities and asked to return the minerals collected during the trip.

The Ailao Mountains, situated in central Yunnan, span multiple prefecture-level cities and counties, including Chuxiong, Shuangbai County, Nanhua County, Jingdong County, Zhenyuan County, and Xinping County.

The deeper, more inaccessible areas of the Ailao Mountains, consist mainly of virgin forests without proper roads, still not open to tourists. Experts say these areas often face unpredictable weather conditions, which can cause tourists to experience altitude sickness and hypothermia. Additionally, the region’s unusual magnetic field can disable compasses, heightening the risk of getting lost.

On Sunday, the scenic area’s management team issued a notice, warning of the unpredictable dangers in the area and clearly indicating it is strictly prohibited for any individual or group to enter the core area of the mountains.