WEST China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where part of the Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was filmed, is to ban movie shoots at scenic spots for fear of damage to the environment, domestic media said Thursday (May 18).

That movie, along with "Hero" by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, was filmed without permission in Xinjiang, the Beijing News said, citing a report in the Urumqi Evening News, though it did not say if the film crew had harmed the environment.

"If the environment is seriously damaged and not returned to its natural state in time, legal and economic measures will be taken against those responsible," the newspaper said, citing regulations from the local government.

Xinjiang is a vast region that contains deserts, forests, mountains and lakes that have made it a favorite destination of directors looking to add sparkle to their films.

This week, the environmental authorities said they would fine the crew of "The Promise" by Oscar-nominated director Chen Kaige for damaging the environment.

Editor: Wing