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Six really strange things that are banned in China
‘Abnormal’ beards are among the latest things to be banned by China in a predominantly Muslim province.
Apparently new regulations, set to come into force this weekend, prohibit the “abnormal growing of beards and naming of children to exaggerate religious fervour”.
The new rules reportedly also require government workers in airports, railway stations and other public places to “dissuade” women who fully cover their faces and bodies from entering and report them to police.
The government has reportedly claims the measures are part of a crackdown on religious extremism.
But what else has China banned over the years? Here are a few things you’re not allowed to do or see in the country.
1. Facebook & Twitter
They might be normal in the western world, but Facebook and Twitter are both blocked by Chinese authorities, with only domestic social media sites are allowed. Plenty of other websites are also inaccessible, thanks to the so-called Great Firewall of China.
2. Avatar in 2D
Yes, really. By banning the 2D version of Avatar China, which has few 3D cinemas, effectively discouraged most people from watching the film. Apparently it was amid fears that some of the political undertones in the film would have been compared to events in China’s history.
3. Time travel
Apparently films and TV shows that look at time travel also face censorship because they might give out the wrong image of history.
4. Jasmine
Since 2011, when Tunisian revolutionaries dubbed their efforts the ‘Jasmine Revolution’, China decided to ban the word. Not just that, officals also cancelled the China International Jasmine Cultural Festival.
5. The Big Bang Theory
According to a report from Global Times, the most popular TV show in the world was removed from online streaming sites in China, along with other big name shows like NCIS and The Good Wife.
6. Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Richard Gere
All three top movie stars have been banned previously from entering China. Pitt was banned simply for starring in the film ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ while Ford and Gere had expressed their support for Tibet.
Brad Pitt
(Pictures: Getty)
