Across the globe, there are countless ‘Restricted Areas’ that you won’t find in any travel guide—places shrouded in mystery and sealed off for various reasons: to protect national secrets, preserve fragile ecosystems, or ensure human safety. In this article, we’ve curated a ranking of 15 of the world’s most forbidden zones. Get ready to explore the ‘World’s Most Thrilling List of Restricted Areas.’
About the Author
Former Journalist
Lily Parker
Hi, I’m Lily Parker from the Planet Life editorial team. As a former journalist, I’ve honed my research skills, and I’m passionate about exploring global cultures. I write about unique traditions and fascinating customs from around the world. My goal is to spark your curiosity and show you a different side of the planet.
No.15: Surtsey Island (Iceland)
Source : COMMONS WIKIMEDIA
In 1963, a new island was born from a submarine volcanic eruption in the seas south of Iceland. Named Surtsey, the island was legally designated a nature reserve from the moment it emerged, with human access strictly prohibited.
This rare measure was taken to observe how an ecosystem would form without any human influence. Like a time-lapse video of the Earth’s creation, this grand experiment is accessible to only a handful of scientists. Tourists can only view its mysterious form from above, on a plane, left to ponder its secrets from a distance. The island’s gradual colonization by birds and plants, and the formation of its ecosystem, has been meticulously documented. Because of its immense scientific value, it was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Surtsey is a unique ecological time capsule, one of a kind on Earth. Humanity is only allowed to watch its evolution from afar. The research conducted here continues to provide invaluable insights into the fields of biology and ecology, offering important clues about biodiversity and the adaptability of life to new environments.
No.14: Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (China)
Source : Wikipedia
Located in Xi’an, China, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a massive burial mound towering near the world-famous Terracotta Army pits. Yet, this underground palace has remained sealed since the emperor’s death in 210 BC. The reason lies in a terrifying mystery suggested by both ancient texts and modern science.
Historical records, such as the Records of the Grand Historian, describe the tomb’s interior as being equipped with self-firing crossbows to deter intruders and rivers of flowing mercury. Archaeologists have been extremely cautious about excavating the mausoleum, fearing that an ill-advised opening could damage the priceless treasures and remains within. Furthermore, tests on the burial mound have detected high concentrations of mercury, lending credence to the ancient legends.
Image created by Midjourney
For this reason, the Chinese government has no immediate plans to open the tomb to the public or even for academic excavation. The secrets hidden beneath remain sealed in eternal darkness with the emperor. From the outside, the mound looks like a simple, tree-covered hill, but beneath it lies a forbidden realm that humanity is not yet permitted to enter. The mausoleum is more than just a tomb; it’s a massive historical legacy, a testament to the technology and power of ancient China, and its full scope remains an enduring mystery.
