Challenges in Archaeological Tourism in China

Citation

Gao Q (2016) Challenges in Archaeological Tourism in China. International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 20 (2), pp. 422-436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10761-016-0333-x

Abstract
Worldwide archaeological tourism, or tourism to sites with archaeological significance, has been rapidly growing and has attracted increased academic attention in recent years. China is an outstanding case in this field. In fact, its government has been actively promoting tourism and archaeological tourism for the last three decades. The understanding of the challenges that Chinese archaeological tourism is currently facing is the focus of this article. Four aspects will guide the discussion: the dilemma between site preservation and economic profitability, unregulated tourism development, the influence of UNESCO World Heritage designation, and authorities’ sensitivity towards ethnic issues in archaeological tourism.

Keywords
Archaeological tourism; China; cultural heritage; world heritage sites;

Journal
International Journal of Historical Archaeology: Volume 20, Issue 2