People who damage large areas of grassland now face up to five years' imprisonment, according to a new judicial interpretation that aims to prevent conflicts arising from illegal mining and construction.

The Supreme People's Court said judges are also advised to levy heavy fines to those who illegally occupy or convert the use of pastureland covering an area larger than 1.33 hectares, or more than double the size of a soccer field.

The threshold will be halved for re-offenders, according to the judicial interpretation, released on Thursday.