(Yicai Global) Nov. 3 -- Starting next year, Chinese tour guides will be punished by law if they take tourists to places where they must spend money, take them gambling or to 'erotic' places.

The China National Tourism Administration recently unveiled the Regulations on the Administration of Tour Guides, which will come into effect from Jan. 1.

The new rules quite clearly state that tour guides may not arrange for tourists to participate in activities that break the law or social values, such as attending erotic parlors, gambling or taking drugs. If found guilty, tour guides could face a fine of up to CNY20,000 (USD3,018) and may have their license revoked, the tourism regulator said online.

Tour guides may also not take tourists to activities where they will need to spend additional money, such as shopping, and must not force or covertly take tourists shopping by means of assault, threats, insults or cursing. They may also not sell goods to tourists or ask for tips.

While traveling, agents and tourists may not insult or encroach on tour guides, who may refuse any unreasonable demands asked of them.

Tour guide licenses were made fully digital on Oct. 31 this year. Paper certificates are no longer valid.