Info, info, info du jour.
Si vous êtes en catégorie touristique, L , ne participer à aucune cérémonie religieuse que se soit, surtout si vous voulez prolonger votre visa.
Karine Martin, Première Abbesse Taoïste française, actuellement en chine pour préparer un doctorat sur le Taoïsme c'est retrouvé dans une situation embarrassante.
je mets son courrier de facebook:
The Police finally gonfle me my passport back yesterday. According to the french embassy that I contacted such situations have been much more frequent in the last few months as more rigid controls are being implemented concerning the interaction of foreigners with religious activities but also with NGO's. I was informed that I was under investigation after I had already given my passport to the police while applying for a tourist visa extension in Xi'an. I was currently staying in Xi'an as part of my PhD research in Daoism. I precise that I was not living in a temple this time and had hardly been involved with religious activities. It would seem that however, the PSB had been informed that I had attended a one day Daoist ceremony in Ankang a few weeks ago and they asked me many questions concerning my trip there. The french embassy confirmed to me that it was indeed illegal to take part in any religious connected activities with a L tourist visa and mentioned that they could not do anything at this stage. They also mentioned that the risks are to be put into "administrative retention" (jail) for two weeks and a fine of 20 000 RMB and then expulsion (as mentionned of their official website). Luckily thanks to the efforts and supports of friends and of high ranking people things finally got cleared out.
I would recommend extreme caution at this time to anyone traveling in China with a Tourist Visa and taking part into activities that are not supported by such a visa. Please abide by the laws.I am currently taking this advise at heart and have decided to not interact with religious Daoism anymore at this stage.
My heartfelt thanks to all the kind messages of support.