Conflicting Images of the Great Wall in Cultural Heritage Tourism

A striking disparity emerges between domestic tourists' admiration for modern facilities over heritage value and the government's emphasis on preservation, while business operators prioritize commercialization. This study, analyzing 7,466 online reviews and official documents, reveals how conflicting objectives among stakeholders shape cultural heritage tourism experiences at Mutianyu Great Wall. Using quantitative word frequency analysis and qualitative discourse semantics, researchers expose a tension where tourists' focus on amenities overshadows historical significance, while regulators advocate for protection. The findings underscore the need for balanced approaches in managing China's iconic World Heritage Site to reconcile commercial interests with conservation goals.

Feng, J., Li, Y., & Wu, P. (2017). Conflicting Images of the Great Wall in Cultural Heritage Tourism. Critical Arts, 31(6), 109–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/02560046.2017.1405455