Tourism value assessment of linear cultural heritage: the case of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal in China

A new framework for assessing tourism value in linear cultural heritage (LCH) reveals that resource richness is the dominant factor, while natural environment and industrial economy serve as critical external supports. Using the 1800 km-long Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canalas a case study, researchers developed an R–N–I evaluation system combining Delphi method, analytical hierarchy process, and entropy analysis to quantify tourism value across 22 cities along the canal. The findings classify tourism potential into four distinct types: 'high-value imbalance type', 'key breakthrough type', 'comprehensive strengthening type', and 'low-value restriction type'. This approach provides actionable insights for sustainable development and policy-making in LCH tourism, balancing resource utilization with environmental and economic considerations.

Zhang, S., Liu, J., Pei, T., Chan, C.-S., Wang, M., & Meng, B. (2021). Tourism value assessment of linear cultural heritage: the case of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal in China. Current Issues in Tourism, 26(1), 47–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.2014791