Sustainable Tourism and Property Rights: A Case Study on the World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan in China from the Perspective of Property Rights Economics

A 30-year case study of Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, reveals that the current property rights framework is a primary driver of heritage damage due to tourism. The research demonstrates that sustainable tourism can resolve conflicts between conservation and development, but this requires significant reform of China's property rights institutions for heritage sites. These reforms should include clear definitions, independent government oversight, and efficient market mechanisms. By applying principles from property rights economics, the study highlights the need for structural changes to balance tourism growth with the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Tang, Z. (2014). Sustainable Tourism and Property Rights: A Case Study on the World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan in China from the Perspective of Property Rights Economics. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 5(3), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1179/1756750514z.00000000063