In a bid to scrub out the “I was here” graffiti that litters the route to the summit of Mount Everest, China has vowed to “name and shame” vandals who have been scribbling on monuments and signs around the world’s biggest mountain.

Names of anyone found to have penned graffiti will be added to a “bad behaviour list” that is to be made public in Chinese media later this month.

The initiative, which coincides with the start of the peak season for tourism on the mountain, will also see designated “monuments” available for those who wish to scribble near the world’s highest peak.

“We will set up a blacklist system to punish badly behaved tourists, such as those who leave graffiti,” said tourism official Gu Chunlei.

“The blacklist will be made public through media outlets.”

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