The scenic area was expanded, settlement was reduced and ecological tourism was promoted. By the end of 2002, the adverse impacts on the aesthetic values of Wulingyuan scenic areas had been mitigated. In January 2001, the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee implemented the Regulations on Protection of Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage Property, providing a stronger legal basis for protection. The property is managed by the Administrative Bureau of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area assisted by several other resource management agencies. Museums and visitor centres have been created for research, education and interpretation of the property’s natural valuesIn 2005, the Comprehensive Plan of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area was revised and Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage protection regulations were established to ensure the long-term protection and conservation of the property.