New openings in Sichuan

OPEN AREAS IN SICHUAN

According to our unofficial sources, areas listed below are now "open," which means they can be visited for purposes of tourism. Foreigners need only possess a valid Chinese visa, no other permits are required. For the latest and most accurate information consult China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (their webpage has moved to an unknown location, so we are unable to provide a link). We also suggest that you consult the foreign affairs bureau of the police department in Chengdu or Beijing).

Note that Tibet Autonomous Region is a special case: although many areas within it are designated as "open," you may very well be asked to obtain a special travel permit before entering.

APRIL 2000. The State Council has opened Muli Tibetan Autonomous County, which is in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Other newly opened Sichuan Counties are Mabian Yi Aut. County, Gulin, Meigu, Leibo, and Jinyang. All of the newly opened places lie in the south of the province.

They also opened some places in Zhejiang (Wencheng, Taishun) and Inner Mongolia (Xi Ujimqin, Taibus, Zhenglan, Xianghuang, Zhengxiangbai, Duolun Counties and Arxan City).

JANUARY, 1999. The State Council announced that 56 counties are to be opened to foreigners in China. Of these, 28 are in Sichuan Province as follows:

Ganzi: Only Kangding and Luding were opened before in Ganzi but now all the 18 counties are opened to foreigners including Danba, Seda (Serthar) , Ganzi (Karze or Kandze), Daofu (Tawu), Xinlong (Nyarong), Shiqu (Serxu or Sershul), Batang, Derong, Jiulong, Luhuo (Trango), Dege, Xiangcheng (Chaktreng), Yajiang (Nyachuk), Baiyu (Pelyul), Litang and Daocheng.
Liangshan: All the counties there are opened except Muli, Jinyang
Aba: No change this time. Still two counties are not opened yet: Heishui, Rangtang
Leshan: Still there are two counties are not opened yet: Jinhe District and Mabian
Chengdu, Zhigong, Panzhihua, Luzhou, Deyang, Mianyang, Guangyuan, Suiling, Neijiang, Nanchong, Yibin, Yaan, Zhiyang, Meishan, Guangan, Bazhong, Dachuan--All the counties of these areas are opened to foreigners.