Regulations designed to protect the Great Wall of China came into effect this weekend, banning tourists from exploring undeveloped sections of it.

The ancient wall, which was first built in the Qin Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, has come under threat from the large number of tourists and hikers who visit it each year. The new regulations will also restrict the shooting of films and television programmes in a bid to stop the world heritage site from sustaining any further damage.

Kong Fanshi who is vice director of the Cultural Relics Bureau of the Beijing Municipal Government, said that booming tourism and development of tourists spots around the wall were posing a growing threat.

Tourists who violate the regulations face fines of up to 30,000 yuan.