GB/T 20416-2026Technical regulation for ecotourism planning in protected areas (English PDF)
自然保护地生态旅游规划技术规程
Open the GB/T 20416-2026 preview as PDF
This is a limited preview
Buy now to download the full PDF (37 pages)
Issued by
SAMR; SAC
Level / Type
National · Recommended
Issue date
March 31, 2026
Implementation date
October 1, 2026
Scope
GB/T 20416-2026 is the English-translated version of 自然保护地生态旅游规划技术规程.
GB/T 20416-2026 is the Chinese national standard covering planning tourism inside a protected area - the zoning that keeps visitors out of the core, the carrying capacity, the facilities and trails and their impact, the interpretation and the monitoring that tells the manager when to close something. It replaces GB/T 20416-2006 and has been in force since 1 October 2026, under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. It was issued on 31 March 2026 and takes effect on 1 October 2026, replacing GB/T 20416-2006. This page is published from the official record of the 2026 edition; the clause text of a standard this recent is not yet in circulation, and the figures, limits and tables it contains are those of the document itself, delivered in full with the English translation.
Document preview — GB/T 20416-2026
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
- ICS
- 65.020.99
- Classification
- B 65
- Replacing
- GB/T 20416-2006
Issued by: State Administration for Market Regulation; Standardization Administration of the PRC
Contents
- 1 Scope
- 4 General Principles
- 4.2 Planning Principles
- 6 Survey Evaluation
- 6.2 Resource Assessment
- 6.2.1 Background Resources
- 6.2.2 Ecotourism Resources
- 6.2.3 Analysis and Evaluation
- 6.2.5 Requirements Analysis
- 7 Overall coordination
- 8 Functional Zones
- 9 Visitor capacity
1 Scope
GB/T 20416-2026 is the Chinese national standard covering planning tourism inside a protected area - the zoning that keeps visitors out of the core, the carrying capacity, the facilities and trails and their impact, the interpretation and the monitoring that tells the manager when to close something. It replaces GB/T 20416-2006 and has been in force since 1 October 2026, under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. It was issued on 31 March 2026 and takes effect on 1 October 2026, replacing GB/T 20416-2006. This page is published from the official record of the 2026 edition; the clause text of a standard this recent is not yet in circulation, and the figures, limits and tables it contains are those of the document itself, delivered in full with the English translation.
This document establishes the technical procedures for ecotourism planning in nature reserves and stipulates the basic principles for ecotourism planning in nature reserves. Ecotourism resource survey and evaluation, overall planning and coordination with higher-level authorities, functional zoning, visitor capacity calculation, recreational activities, and basic and service facilities. Technical requirements for construction, tourism management, and community development. This document applies to the planning, construction, and management of ecotourism in nature reserves.
4 General Principles
4.1 Planning Objectives The main goals of ecotourism planning for nature reserves include.
---Implement the policy guidance of scientific protection and rational utilization of nature reserves. Clearly define the important protected objects, boundaries, and areas within the planning scope. To protect its value, feasible and effective protection measures should be proposed, the spatial and temporal boundaries for ecotourism development should be delineated, and the intensity of development and construction should be controlled. Based on the requirements, relevant suggestions were put forward for the development of ecotourism activities and business models.
---Clarify the direction for ecotourism development. Identify and assess the advantages of ecotourism resources in nature reserves. With distinctive features, and under the premise of scientific protection, we should clarify the positioning and development direction of ecotourism.
---Leverage public education functions. Through activities such as nature education, outdoor sports, and nature tourism, popularize natural science knowledge and cultivate... Raising public awareness of ecological protection and fostering patriotism. Enhancing the value of ecotourism products in nature reserves and promoting the development of natural resources. The source of public value is shared by the whole society.
---Empowering the original residents and surrounding communities within nature reserves to develop the ecotourism industry, promoting the development of the original residents and surrounding communities within nature reserves. Residents of the border communities have increased their income and wealth, and the benefits of ecological protection are shared to support ecological conservation, thereby improving the lives of the original residents and surrounding communities within the nature reserve. The inherent positivity of ecological protection.
4.2 Planning Principles
4.2.1 Protection Priority Under the premise of scientific protection, the zoning and scope of ecotourism activities should conform to the functional zoning and management requirements of nature reserves, and should be minimized. The intervention principle aims to transform the ecological value of nature reserves into economic and social value through appropriate ecotourism activities, thereby enhancing the overall social value. The ecological benefits of the meeting.
4.2.2 Overall Planning At the spatial level, the internal and external aspects of nature reserves should be considered holistically, aligning with the overall plan for nature reserves and connecting with local territorial spatial planning or national plans. Park spatial planning; in terms of service function layout, the site selection of facilities such as parking areas, visitor reception, nature education, catering and accommodation, shopping and entertainment. The layout encourages the use of existing construction land and infrastructure.
4.2.3 Highlighting distinctive features Highlighting the characteristics of nature reserves, including ecosystem types, biodiversity, natural landscapes, natural phenomena, natural relics, and historical and cultural heritage. We will carry out ecotourism activities such as nature education, ecological experience, and outdoor sports to preserve our unique natural and cultural landscape.
4.2.4 Eco-friendly The development of ecotourism formats, infrastructure construction, and activities embody green and low-carbon principles; achieving harmonious functional layout, facility scale, construction materials, and construction processes. The process is environmentally friendly, energy-saving, and eco-friendly.
4.2.5 Scientific Management and Control For areas that possess both ecotourism and ecological conservation value, functional zoning, visitor capacity management, franchise mechanisms, and visitor management should be applied. Comprehensive measures, including a visitor guidance and accompaniment system, visitor behavior management, and seasonal and time-based control for ecotourism, aim to achieve scientific protection of important protected species and precise conservation. The goal of quasi-managed recreational activities is to minimize ecological impact.
4.2.6 Co-construction and sharing We encourage stakeholders in nature reserves, such as community residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and research institutions, to actively participate and share the benefits.
4.3 Planning Period The planning period for ecotourism should be consistent with the overall planning period for nature reserves.
5.Planning and Development Procedures The planning process includes data collection, current situation surveys, compilation of results, public consultation, and planning review. Specific details are as follows: as follows:
---Data Collection. Collect information on nature reserves and their surrounding areas.
---Current Status Survey. Based on baseline data collection, this survey investigates the distribution of key protected species and flagship species in nature reserves, as well as the ecological corridor grid. The bureau conducted on-site investigations and assessments of the situation regarding ecotourism operations and visitor activities. This included assessing ecotourism resources and the needs for ecotourism development. A comprehensive assessment and analysis of the distribution of important protected objects and ecological corridors is required to propose the positioning and direction for ecotourism development. Preliminary results have been achieved in functional zoning, protection and restoration, activity implementation, and facility construction.
---Compilation results. Based on basic information, resource assessment, overall coordination, functional zoning, visitor capacity, recreational activities, infrastructure, and services. Services, resource protection, land use, recreation monitoring, tourism management, ecological environment protection, community development, visitor education, security The document includes content on obstacles, impact assessment, business management, funding estimates, and implementation recommendations, and is aligned with national land spatial planning or national park spatial planning. The overall plan for nature reserves and relevant statutory special plans at the local level shall be used to prepare ecotourism planning documents. Functional zoning and activities... The implementation and facility construction should be consistent with relevant plans, and necessary maps should be drawn. The planning results should be submitted to the nature reserve management agency. Ecotourism planning for nature reserves shall be prepared in accordance with the outline given in Appendix A, and the requirements for thematic map preparation shall be given in Appendix B.
---Public participation in consultation and planning review. The planning results will be made public in accordance with the law to solicit opinions from the public and stakeholders and to make revisions. Improve it.
6 Survey Evaluation
6.1 Basic Information This includes an overview of the area where the nature reserve is located and information about the nature reserve itself. See Table 1 for details.
6.2.1 Background Resources
6.2.1.1 Important protected objects Identify key protected objects and their conservation value, including but not limited to ecosystems, natural landscapes, natural heritage sites, wild animals and their habitats. Types include land, wild plants and their habitats, and historical and cultural heritage.
6.2.1.2 Ecosystem The types of ecosystems within the region and their typicality and representativeness within the country or region, including but not limited to forests, wetlands, grasslands, and wastelands. Types include desert and marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems should clearly define coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, kelp fields, oyster reefs, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. The typicality and conservation value of important types.
6.2.1.3 Biodiversity Biodiversity mainly includes the following.
a) Status of flora and fauna resources. Information on the species, distribution, and quantity of flora and fauna in protected areas.
b) Important protected species, including flagship species, and their habitats. Nationally protected wild flora and fauna, endangered species, and their habitats. Distribution of habitats and migration routes.
6.2.1.4 Natural Relics Natural heritage sites mainly include the following.
a) Characteristics, distribution range, scientific value, and preservation of various relics such as stratigraphic profiles and paleontological fossil sites formed during geological history. Maintain the status quo;
b) Typicality, rarity, and representativeness within a certain range.
6.2.1.5 Natural Landscape Natural landscapes mainly include the following.
a) Natural landscapes and phenomena. This includes forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, oceans, natural relics, and their combined types; as well as seasonal changes. Natural phenomena such as landscapes and wildlife migration.
b) Marine types include natural relics, natural coastlines, beaches, and sea-eroded landforms.
c) The distribution range, typical characteristics, and seasonality of the main natural landscapes.
6.2.1.6 Historical and Cultural Resources This includes, but is not limited to, types and distribution of historical buildings, archaeological sites, and intangible cultural heritage.
6.2.1.7 Climate and Environment The temperature, relative humidity, concentration of negative air ions, number of days with good air quality, and soil and water quality during the seasons suitable for escaping the heat (or cold) are all important factors.
6.2.2 Ecotourism Resources
6.2.2.1 Natural tourism resources Tourist areas, routes, seasons, and times of day are formed based on natural landscape resources.
6.2.2.2 Natural Education Resources Based on the typicality, representativeness, and authenticity of the ecosystem, as well as its biodiversity, natural phenomena, and natural heritage, it is suitable for conducting nature research. The areas, routes, and locations for observation activities, parent-child study tours, and outdoor rescue training activities, as well as the suitable seasons and times.
6.2.2.3 Ecological Experience Resources Based on the natural landscape, habitat types, ecological protection, and forestry production activities, it is suitable for carrying out ecological camping, ecological patrols, outdoor operations, and nature conservation. The areas, routes, and locations for habitat experience perception, as well as the suitable seasons and times of day.
6.2.2.4 Outdoor Sports Resources Based on ecosystem types such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and oceans, combined with topography and natural landscapes, it is suitable for hiking and cycling. Areas, routes, and locations for outdoor sports.
6.2.2.5 Leisure and Wellness Resources Based on factors such as climate, altitude, natural landscape, air quality, water quality, and forest food, areas suitable for developing forest-based health and wellness and eco-leisure activities. Domains, routes, and locations.
6.2.2.6 Cultural Experience Resources Based on historical buildings, archaeological sites, intangible cultural heritage, and natural heritage and their value, these sites are suitable for cultural experiences, festivals, and community activities. The district's participation in related tangible and intangible cultural resources.
6.2.3 Analysis and Evaluation
6.2.3.1 Resource Characteristics A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of baseline resources, including natural ecosystems, flagship species, natural relics, natural landscapes, and historical and cultural heritage, is conducted to determine their... Its advantages and characteristics lie in natural sightseeing, nature education, ecological experience, outdoor sports, leisure and wellness, and cultural experience.
6.2.3.2 Valuation The value of ecotourism resources is based on elements such as ecosystems, flagship species, natural relics, natural landscapes, and historical culture.
6.2.4 Development Positioning Based on the value and characteristics of ecotourism resources in nature reserves, and combined with market analysis and tourist demand, this paper proposes a development strategy for ecotourism in nature reserves. The exhibition's positioning and main direction.
6.2.5 Requirements Analysis
6.2.5.1 Development Needs Based on the current state of ecotourism development, infrastructure, and community participation, and in conjunction with the development positioning and direction, we propose measures to improve service functions and expand development space. The development needs include overall planning, construction of supporting facilities, improvement of service capabilities, and improvement of management mechanisms.
6.2.5.2 Construction Requirements The construction needs of the ecotourism area, including transportation hubs, visitor reception, nature education, recreation services, catering and accommodation, shopping and entertainment, are being addressed. Line analysis.
7 Overall coordination
7.1 Activity Implementation and Facility Construction The scope of ecotourism activities and facility construction needs to be aligned with national land spatial planning, national park spatial planning, and the overall planning of nature reserves. The planning and implementation of ecotourism activities should be consistent with the aforementioned plans, avoiding the habitats of important protected species. And related areas, and establish an activity management system, proposing measures for the protection of important protected objects in terms of visitor behavior, noise management, and light pollution management. Protection and management requirements.
7.2 Functional Layout and Land Use Based on the overall functional layout for ecotourism activities, the area includes transportation hubs, visitor reception, nature education, recreation services, catering and accommodation, and shopping. The layout of entertainment and other functions is integrated with the surrounding communities, and land use and facility construction are fully aligned with the town and village planning of the surrounding communities.
7.3 Community Participation and Festivals Ecotourism operation authorization, festival activities, and nature education fully consider the role and function of the local community, and integrate with local cultural experiences and ecotourism. The tourism plan should be integrated with the overall tourism strategy. Emphasis should be placed on collaboration and participation from universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.
7.4 Project Construction The construction of facilities involving public welfare categories such as transportation, ecological environment, natural resources, culture and sports, and heritage protection needs to be coordinated with relevant local authorities. Special plans and construction projects are coordinated.
7.5 Protection Management In line with higher-level plans, and taking into account both conservation value and utilization direction, we will clarify the scope, types of activities, and facilities suitable for ecotourism. Construction needs and intensity, as well as seasonal and time management requirements, are designed to support the functional zoning of nature reserves, the development of ecotourism activities, and the provision of facilities. It provides a reference for construction, capacity control, monitoring research, and management mechanism development.
8 Functional Zones
8.1 General Requirements Based on the functional zoning and management requirements of higher-level planning, as well as the development status and space of surrounding communities, the nature reserves were scientifically assessed. Designate specific areas of land and sea for reasonable use. Ecotourism areas can be further divided into management and service areas and recreation and experience areas. Ecotourism management and service areas and recreation and experience areas, as well as various nature reserve management services and recreation and experience areas, are related secondary zones that maintain consistency. Consistent. Ecotourism zones should be equipped with facilities including, but not limited to, visitor capacity management, franchising, visitor guidance and accompaniment systems, visitor behavior management, and ecological restoration. Corresponding mechanisms and measures, such as seasonal and time-based tourism management, and sound and light management, are implemented to achieve scientific and precise management. Functional divisions The technical process in the district shall be carried out in accordance with Table 2.
8.2 Management and Service Area Within nature reserves, corresponding supporting facilities serving functions such as visitor distribution, catering and accommodation, cultural experiences, office management, and emergency rescue are clustered together. The district will take into account the overall planning and layout of the ecotourism service system and the tourism planning of the surrounding areas to achieve coordinated development between nature reserves and surrounding villages, towns and communities.
8.3 Recreation and Experience Area Based on ecological sensitivity and visitor safety requirements, the main areas of visitor activity can be further divided into the following three categories.
a) Hiking Experience Area. An area with high ecological sensitivity, suitable for hiking, cross-country activities, and nature exploration with minimal environmental impact;
b) Vehicle (Boat) Recreation Area. An area with a certain ecological carrying capacity where recreation can be carried out by motorized transportation and walking.
c) Special Tourist Areas. Sensitive and dangerous areas and wilderness with significant conservation value, such as wilderness, underwater, and caves, require management personnel or... With the guidance of a professional tour guide, experience the natural environment and observe important protected objects, natural relics, natural landscapes and natural phenomena in the area.
9 Visitor capacity
9.1 Visitor Capacity Classification Visitor capacity can be further divided into total visitor capacity, regional visitor capacity, seasonal capacity, and maximum instantaneous capacity.
9.2 Visitor Capacity Calculation Visitor capacity calculation methods can include the route method, checkpoint method, area method, and comprehensive algorithms, depending on ...
......
This preview omits tables, figures, formulas and parts of the technical clauses. The complete document — 37 pages — is available in the English PDF.
Referenced standards
Editions of GB/T 20416
| Edition | Title | Revision | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB/T 20416-2026 | Technical regulation for ecotourism planning in protected areas | current edition | Current |
| GB/T 20416-2006 | Technical regulation for ecotourism planning in protected areas | previous edition | In force until 1 October 2026 |
This page sells the current edition, GB/T 20416-2026. Earlier editions are listed for reference only.
How to Buy GB/T 20416-2026
- 1Add to cart. Click the "Buy GB/T 20416-2026" button on this page. You can add more standards before checkout.
- 2Checkout. Enter your email and billing details. Payment is processed securely by Stripe (cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay supported).
- 3Instant delivery (0–9 sec). Delivery is automatic: within seconds of payment you'll receive an email with a secure download link. The link stays valid for 72 hours.
- 4Invoice included. A tax invoice is attached to the confirmation email. Need a custom invoice? Contact us.
Related Standards
GB/T 47310-2026 — Determination of total silicon, aluminium, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, titanium and sulfur in soil - Monochromatic excitation energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
GB/T 47321-2026 — Specification for the warning data exchange of the national emergency early warning dissemination system
GB/T 47293-2026 — Determination of available mercury in soil
Secure payment via Stripe
Payments accepted
GB/T 20416-2026
$560.00