CHANGCHUN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) - Northeast China's Jilin Province Thursday passed a regulation to ban entry into the core zone of the Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve known for its rich flora resources.

File photo: VCG

The only exception, according to the regulation on the protection of the reserve, are those entering the core zone for scientific purposes, who are required to submit application and get approvals in advance.

The reserve's core zone encompasses the water body of Tianchi, a scenic crater lake, the mountain's tundra zone and primeval forests.

The regulation also bans the unauthorized practice of releasing animals into the wild in the reserve as well as the introduction of alien species and genetically modified organisms.

Those violating the rules could face fines of up to 100,000 yuan (14,490 U.S. dollars).

The regulation came amid complaints that adventure activities and the unauthorized release of animals, often driven by beliefs that the acts of kindness will bring good fortune, are threatening the mountain's ecosystem.

Covering an area of 196,465 hectares, the Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve boasts a vertical vegetation landscape and giant gene pool.