"internal passport" in China?

[thisdress]

I understand there is an internal passport system for residents of PRC China, which restricts migration of residents between provinces within China.

I want to know if there is a similar system that restricts foreigners travel within China on a visitor's permit. An Aussie friend of mine is planning to visit me in HKG, and then we will paddle either two singles or one tandem kayak(s) to Haikou.

Is there any way we can cross the HKG/ mainland border on kayaks? If not, we are willing to ship everything from HKG to Shenzhen and then paddle from Shenzhen to Haikou. From there we will ship our gears back to HKG from Haikou, and fly back to HKG. Is there any regulations that forbids that kind of travel? (we will be crossing different provinces within China) Is there any permit necessary for such expedition? (some countries require permits for "wildness travel," such as Greenland and the U.S.[Alaska])

We will also be sharing tent/ hotel rooms along the trip -- I have heard that mainland government enforce some sort of "moral crime" against unmarried opposite sex people sharing a hotel room, is that true? Would that be a problem if we are Hongkie/ gweilo?

Thank you for your time.

[bookblogger]

The "hukou" system is only for residence, not for travel.

Kayaking across the border, I'd say definitely no. Kayaking along the coast, you'll probably have trouble as well, since anything which is not expressly permitted in China is forbidden. I would imagine this route would pass commercial and military ports.

Don't worry about moral crimes, it's not 1980 any more.

[emmie]

We will also be sharing tent/ hotel rooms along the trip -- I have heard that mainland government enforce some sort of "moral crime" against unmarried opposite sex people sharing a hotel room, is that true? Would that be a problem if we are Hongkie/ gweilo?

How would they know whether you and your guy friend are married or not? At the hotel or motel reception, demand to see your 'papers'?

While up there, never come across this prob before - even in a few out-of-the-way places... But, then again, I'm obviously NOT native there (so why bother frowning?).

[beachball]

[SNIP]
Kayaking across the border, I'd say definitely no. Kayaking along the coast, you'll probably have trouble as well, since anything which is not expressly permitted in China is forbidden. I would imagine this route would pass commercial and military ports.
[SNIP]

Not sure about this - we regularly sail/motor boats between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, so it is definitely possible to cross the boundary that way. Using a kayak is obviously somewhat different, but still...

[thisdress]

Thanks for the replies.

Would like to paddle from HKG, but if that's too difficult to arrange, we are open to change our plans. We are writing our trip proposal and resume now and hopefully apply for permission, but I'm not sure who to contact -- should I just write to the Hong Kong Marine Department? China Maritime Safety Administration? Who else have jurisdiction over these administrations?

Beachball -- did you have to apply for any sort of permit ahead in order to cross the "border" in private crafts?