The impacts of tourism at a UNESCO heritage site in China – a need for a meta-narrative? The case of the Kaiping Diaolou

Tourism at the Kaiping Diaolou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, presents a unique model for sustainable development that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and agricultural continuity. Unlike other rural Chinese heritage sites, Kaiping demonstrates how tourism can foster entrepreneurial activities while maintaining traditional farming practices, creating a 'new tourism rich' class that employs others to sustain agriculture. This study, based on interviews and surveys, highlights differences in tourism impacts compared to similar sites like Hungcun and Bao Village, emphasizing the potential for glocalization as a response to globalization. It also contrasts Western and Chinese perspectives on heritage tourism, cultural change, and commodification, offering insights into holistic approaches for sustainable tourism development.

Ryan, C., Chaozhi, Z., & Zeng, D. (2011). The impacts of tourism at a UNESCO heritage site in China – a need for a meta-narrative? The case of the Kaiping Diaolou. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(6), 747–765. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2010.544742