Chinese tourists' views of nature and natural landscape interpretation: a generational perspective

A significant generational divide exists among Chinese tourists at Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, regarding their connection to nature and interest in animal experiences. While older generations exhibit stronger environmental concern and support for Western conservation approaches, younger cohorts show less anthropocentrism but are less inclined to engage with nature through tourism interpretation. The study reveals that traditional Chinese values, such as the concept of tian ren he yi (oneness of humans and nature), continue to influence tourists' perspectives, even as their attitudes converge with Western views on ethical and aesthetic appreciation of animals. This research highlights both cultural persistence and evolving generational preferences in natural landscape interpretation.

Gao, J., Zhang, C., & Huang, Z. (. (2017). Chinese tourists’ views of nature and natural landscape interpretation: a generational perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26(4), 668–684. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2017.1377722