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In the international education market, much attention has been paid to China, as it is the world's largest source country in sending students abroad. The other side of the story, that is, China, as the world's third most popular destination, is considerably less known and researched. This study seizes this research opportunity and focuses on exploring why international students choose to do their higher education in mainland China. International students from five Chinese coastal universities are the research respondents. Focus group discussions were first conducted and elicited 31 motivating items. They were later evaluated through a questionnaire-based survey. The push-pull model was critically reviewed and then used to organise the results. A questionnaire-based survey (n = 462) was later undertaken. Seven motivation factors were identified and a hierarchical relationship among the motivations was observed. The most influential push factor is the students' desire for learning, novelty and challenge seeking, while the strongest pull factor is their expectation for China's prosperous future. The motivations with medium priority were self-understanding, quality of education, and value for money. Also, stimulating factors and admission issues were important, but significantly less important than other factors. Demographic factors were found to be influential to motivations. Focusing on "reverse" international student mobility, this research enriches knowledge about international students' destination choice. It also offers practical implications to universities and institutes in China and other emerging countries, who are interested in offering better programmes and attracting more international students.

Few tourism studies have focused on tourists who have been victims of a disaster. Their destination attachment has implications for re-establishment of market confidence and resilience. Structural equation modelling of data from 242 tourists who were victims of the Jiuzhaigou earthquake was used to explore their feelings of attachment. The results confirm that earthquake-affected tourists can generate positive emotional attachment toward the destination. Destination attachment is related to such factors as positive emotions, social support, and severity of disaster exposure. Positive emotions mediate the relationships between severity of disaster exposure, social support and destination attachment. It is revealed that experiences of a disaster event can be a turning point, prompting positive change in tourist-destination relationships across the destination life-cycle. Implications for emergency management and for post-disaster market recovery are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reflect the intricate relationships between heritage, tourism, and community pertinent to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), the framework of community well-being is adapted to evaluate the status and changes to destination communities imposed by conservation and tourism initiatives. A multi-stakeholder, mixed-method approach is adopted using qualitative interviews and a quantitative questionnaire survey at two villages of the Hani Rice Terraces, Yunnan Province of Western China. Results show that positive impacts from tourism are mainly concentrated on the environmental, conservation, and development dimensions. However, the lack of improvements in the education and health dimensions negatively affected the well-being of the local community. In particular, the subjective well-being is reduced with the increasing need for education induced by tourism. The evolution of community well-being is explored and portrayed through well-being hexagons and measures to enhance the positive impacts of tourism are proposed for GIAHS and other heritage sites or protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on global tourism, including wildlife tourism. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), risk perceptions of wildlife tourism are explored and a structural equation model is created of the influence of COVID-19 on tourists' behavioral intentions in China. A total of 677 quantitative surveys were obtained in April and May 2020. The results indicate that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control all have predominantly significant positive effects on behavioral intentions regarding tourism and protective behavior. In addition, approximately 70% of respondents considered the COVID-19 pandemic had increased their perceptions of risk and weakened their behavioral intentions regarding wildlife tourism and animal protection. This study contributes to the literature on wildlife tourism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides timely practical insights into guidelines for the wildlife tourism industry, as well as safety precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small tourism firms (STFs) established and operated by local families can be an engine of sustainable rural tourism. This paper stresses the intimate intertwining of family and business in rural STFs and conceptualizes their entrepreneurial success as a combination of business performance and family well-being. Integrating the resource-based view and network embeddedness theory, relationships among the STF owners' dual social networks (family and industry networks), entrepreneurial resource acquisition, and entrepreneurial success are proposed and tested with a sample of 276 STFs in rural China. The empirical analyses reveal that (1) compared with tangible and knowledge-based resources, the owners' acquisition of psychic resources has the strongest effect on entrepreneurial success; and (2) although industry networks provide more diverse access to entrepreneurial resources, family networks are superior in facilitating psychic resource acquisition, thus are especially important to the entrepreneurial success of rural STFs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato (SP; Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is an edible tuber native to America and the sixth most important food crop worldwide. China leads its production in a global market of USD 45 trillion. SP domesticated varieties differ in specific phenotypic/genotypic traits, yet all of them are rich in sugars, slow digestible/resistant starch, vitamins, minerals, bioactive proteins and lipids, carotenoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, coumarins, and saponins, in a genotype-dependent manner. Individually or synergistically, SP's phytochemicals help to prevent many illnesses, including certain types of cancers and cardiovascular disorders. These and other topics, including the production and market diversification of raw SP and its products, and SP's starch as a functional ingredient, are briefly discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the international education market, much attention has been paid to China, as it is the world's largest source country in sending students abroad. The other side of the story, that is, China, as the world's third most popular destination, is considerably less known and researched. This study seizes this research opportunity and focuses on exploring why international students choose to do their higher education in mainland China. International students from five Chinese coastal universities are the research respondents. Focus group discussions were first conducted and elicited 31 motivating items. They were later evaluated through a questionnaire-based survey. The push-pull model was critically reviewed and then used to organise the results. A questionnaire-based survey (n = 462) was later undertaken. Seven motivation factors were identified and a hierarchical relationship among the motivations was observed. The most influential push factor is the students' desire for learning, novelty and challenge seeking, while the strongest pull factor is their expectation for China's prosperous future. The motivations with medium priority were self-understanding, quality of education, and value for money. Also, stimulating factors and admission issues were important, but significantly less important than other factors. Demographic factors were found to be influential to motivations. Focusing on "reverse" international student mobility, this research enriches knowledge about international students' destination choice. It also offers practical implications to universities and institutes in China and other emerging countries, who are interested in offering better programmes and attracting more international students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a personal statement concerning the author's involvement in tourism research in Asia, particularly Indonesia and China, including Taiwan. Personal background and major projects are introduced, and seven research dimensions are suggested: the role of tourism, extending project activities, finance, synergy, timing, collaboration, and language and culture. Current activities are outlined. Concluding comments address timeliness, a long-term perspective, cultural empathy and making a difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumer survey reported in this research paper aims to understand how Chinese mothers learn about and confirm the origin of powdered infant formulas (henceforward formulas), their knowledge level and preferences between formulas from different origins. With globalization, dairy companies can source ingredients for domestic production and manufacture finished products across the world. Chinese consumers are now facing a variety of formulas with different brand origin, main ingredient origin ('nai yuan'), manufacturing origin, and country-of-purchase. Drawing on a large representative sample of Chinese mothers who have purchased formulas, we found that most of them had intensively engaged in learning about and confirming formulas' origin through different strategies. However, they may not interpret related cues correctly: a majority of Chinese mothers incorrectly considered the 'main ingredient origin' as the 'manufacturing place' and could not necessarily recognize between 'foreign' and 'domestic' brands. Among formulas from different origins, authentic foreign branded, produced and packaged formulas showed a high popularity in Tier 1 & 2 cities and among more knowledgeable consumers. In low-tier cities, these products were equally popular as domestically branded and produced formulas using imported milk powders and other ingredients. Formulas directly acquired from overseas markets through unofficial channels were least favoured by consumers. The study shows that Chinese consumers' previous one-sided endorsement towards foreign formulas appears to have weakened. Decisions made by formula companies on the origin of the main ingredient and the place of manufacture would influence product attractiveness, and the segments of Chinese consumers to target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated Cochrane Review showed that maternal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced preterm birth, offering a potential strategy for prevention. We hypothesised that pregnant women with obesity, at higher risk of preterm birth, would have low omega-3 fatty acid levels and may benefit from supplementation. Our study measured the omega-3 fatty acid levels of 142 participants from the Healthy Mums and Babies study, Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. Counties Manukau is a multi-ethnic community with high rates of socio-economic deprivation, obesity, and preterm birth. Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels were measured from samples collected between 120 and 176 weeks' gestation. Contrary to our hypothesis, participants in our study had similar or higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to those reported in pregnant populations in Australia, Norway, China, and Germany. Our findings emphasise the importance of testing omega-3 fatty acid status before supplementing groups at risk of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on tourists' spatio-temporal behavior is useful for destination marketing and management. GPS data collection, GIS and statistical analyses of survey data from a zoo in Beijing are reported. Results indicate that seven behavior patterns exist that are distinct according to demography and visit attributes. Tourist behavior is influenced by animal features (e.g. the number of animals, endangerment category, feeding habits and aggressiveness), the environment (exhibition openness and hygiene), and service facility attributes (e.g. retail facilities, toilets, recreational facilities and catering services). The findings provide insight into the behavioral characteristics of Chinese zoo visitors and factors that influence them. The results can be used to enhance environmental and exhibition design, visitor flow forecasts and tourists flow distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been proved to be a safe and cost-effective standard of care for preterm babies. China hasn't adopted the KMC practice widely until recently. We aim to assess barriers and facilitators of KMC adoption in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and postnatal wards in China.Methods: We conducted clinical observations and semi-structured interviews with nurses, physicians, and parents who performed KMC in seven NICUs and postnatal wards housed in five hospitals in different provinces of China between August and September 2018. The interviews provided first-hand stakeholder perspectives on barriers and facilitators of KMC implementation and sustainability. We further explored health system's readiness and families' willingness to sustain KMC practice following its pilot introduction. We coded data for emerging themes related to financial barriers, parent- and hospital-level perceived barriers, and facilitators of KMC adoption, specifically those unique in the Chinese context.Results: Five hospitals with KMC pilot programs were selected for clinical observations and 38 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Common cultural barriers included concerns with the conflict with traditional postpartum confinement (Zuo-yue-zi) practice and grandparents' resistance, while a strong family support is a facilitator for KMC adoption. Some parents reported anxiety and guilt associated with having a preterm baby, which can be a parental-level barrier to KMC. Hospital-level factors such as fear of nosocomial infection and shortage of staff and spaces impeded the KMC implementation, and supportive community and peer group organized by the hospital contributed to KMC uptake. Financial barriers included lodging costs for caregivers and supply costs for hospitals.Conclusions: We provided a comprehensive in-depth report on the multi-level KMC barriers and facilitators in China. We recommend policy interventions specifically addressing these barriers and facilitators and increase family and peer support to improve KMC adoption in China. We also recommend that well-designed local cultural and economic feasibility and acceptability studies should be conducted before the KMC uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has an extremely low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been shown to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate among infants born extremely or very preterm. However, there is limited evidence surrounding intermittent KMC and exclusive breastfeeding in late preterm infants. In our study we investigated the association between the provision of intermittent KMC and breastfeeding practice for late preterm infants in four hospitals in different provinces of China. Methods: Intermittent KMC was recommended to the mothers of all preterm infants admitted to the postnatal wards of participating hospitals between March 2018 and March 2019. Those who agreed to practice KMC were enrolled in the "KMC group", those who did not were enrolled in the "No KMC group". Basic maternal socio-demographic information was collected, feeding practice; outcome and method, were recorded daily whilst in hospital. A follow-up survey of feeding practice was conducted 42 days after discharge. Calculations for feeding practice were performed separately for both groups. Logistics regression was used to analyze the association between KMC and feeding outcome and method, adjusting for socio-demographic covariates. Results: Among the 844 mothers participating in the study, 627 (74.3%) chose to perform KMC. More of the mothers who provided KMC were exclusively breast milk feeding their infants in the 24 h before hospital discharge (54.6%) and at follow-up (57.3%), compared to mothers who did not provide KMC (34.6% at discharge and 33.2% at follow-up,). Mothers in the KMC group were more likely to be breastfeeding (method) than mothers in the No KMC group (65.3% vs. 52.1% at discharge, and 83.1% vs. 67.3% at follow up). Logistic regression indicated that compared with the No KMC group, mothers who provided KMC were twice as likely to be exclusively breast milk feeding their infants at discharge (OR = 2.15 (95% CI 1.53, 3.02)), use breastfeeding method at discharge as opposed to other means such as bottle or cup feeding (OR = 1.61 (95% CI 1.15, 2.25)), be exclusive breast milk feeding at follow-up (OR = 2.55 (95% CI 1.81, 3.61)), and use breastfeeding method at follow-up (OR = 2.09 (95% CI 1.44, 3.02)). Conclusions: Intermittent KMC was associated with a nearly doubled increase in exclusive breast milk feeding (outcome) and breastfeeding (method) at both discharge and 42 days after discharge for late preterm infants. This is especially important in China where exclusive breastfeeding rates are low, intermittent KMC provides a feasible means to increase the likelihood of these vulnerable infants receiving the benefits of exclusive breastmilk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Globally, China is among the 'saltiest' nations. In order to support current nationwide salt reduction initiatives, we investigated Chinese consumers' knowledge, beliefs and behaviours related to salt intake and salt reduction.Design: A cross-sectional face-to-face survey was carried out, focusing on salt knowledge, beliefs and behaviours related to salt intake and salt reduction, perceptions of salt reduction responsibility and support for different national strategies.Setting: The survey was carried out in China mainland.Participants: Consumers (n 2444) from six of seven major geographical regions in China participated in the survey. After data cleaning, a sample of 2430 was included in the final analysis.Results: A majority of Chinese consumers believed that salt added during home cooking was the biggest contributor to their salt intake. Knowledge gaps existed in the awareness of salt hidden in certain foods and flavouring products. Chinese consumers in general were interested in lowering their salt intake. They were aware of salt reduction tools, but the adoption level was low. Consumers expressed strong support for promotion of salt-restriction spoons and public education, but not fiscal policies (e.g. salt-related tax or subsidies). In terms of individual differences, education status demonstrated a substantial impact on salt reduction knowledge and behaviour.Conclusions: There is still big room to 'shake' Chinese consumers' salt habit. The present study provides important evidence and consumer insights to support China's efforts to meet its salt reduction targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism can be an important strategy for conserving traditional agricultural systems and potentially enhancing livelihoods of hosting communities. The intricate and complex relations between agricultural heritage conservation, tourism and community livelihoods are examined at a GIAHS site in China. Through multi-stakeholder interviews, the study illustrates that the increased government support and public awareness after GIAHS designation do not ease the struggle between conservation and development at Guanhou Village. Particularly in the context of fast urbanization, multi-layer integration of tourism and the agricultural heritage system should be sought to sustain traditional agriculture and enhance community livelihoods. Practical implications are then discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses a network approach and a negative binomial regression model (NBRM) to shed light on the association between Domestic Investment (DI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in interlinking Chinese cities in a space of flows. The empirical analysis is based on 2743 FDI and 9315 DI projects covering 77 Chinese cities. We address the question of what the association is between DI network measures and city attractiveness for FDI, and if the geographic distance of DI matters. While the physical distance of DI activity is found to have a negative association with FDI, city functional proximity and structural position in the DI network are found to have a positive association. We conclude that strategic policies to stimulate cross-territorial economic ties between Chinese cities should be advantageous in attracting inward foreign investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the market dominance of WeChat in contemporary China, we currently know little about its significance for Chinese politics. WeChat enables strong-tie communicative networks, which prior research indicates is consequential for contentious political engagement. Drawing on evidence from focus groups conducted with Chinese citizens in the United Kingdom, we reveal that although WeChat users are often connected through offline social and professional networks, contentious politics manifests on the app only under a narrow range of circumstances. Furthermore, political contention on WeChat is reported by our respondents to be largely confined to matters of 'interest-oriented' and/or 'safe' topics that do not challenge the wider political system. This trend is driven by a combination of political and cultural dynamics which we elaborate in a theoretically informed thematic analysis, arguing that engaging with the concept of guanxi provides more insight into the political repercussions of WeChat in China than a focus on tie strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been a plethora of research on community participation in tourism, most has relied upon a single survey or other form of data acquisition that lacks a dynamic component. Therefore, there is a need for longitudinal research to examine any changes in that participation. This article explores the evolution of participation in tourism in two communities, Nanshan and Tangfeng, in Hainan, China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 villagers, and secondary data were collected to supplement the qualitative research. It postulates four stages of community involvement in sharing benefits and decision making: impactee, beneficiary, client, and owner. It is found that, in the cases under consideration, the evolution of participation has been slow, and the benefits to the communities from tourism and access to decision-making power are limited, with the power structure involved with tourism resorts being the main reason for this slow progress. Three suggestions are proposed to address this situation: capacity building, partnership, and institutional empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of China Tourism Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article examines how WeChat, contemporary China's most popular mobile phone application, is affecting digitally enabled citizen journalism. Based on focus-group research with WeChat users, and building on the insights of previous studies of digitally enabled citizen journalism within and outside of China, we find that WeChat's integration of multiple communicative networks renders it a multiversal space where citizen journalistic practice can bleed across public, semi-public, and private spheres. We show that WeChat offers diverse communicative affordances facilitating practices of "metavoicing" as a form of citizen journalism, blurring divides between news production and consumption. This dynamic affects users' experiences of news and can influence news agendas story lifecycles. WeChat also faces important limitations as a citizen journalism platform: it is a space where political discussion can be readily reported, where the tone of current affairs coverage is often sensationalized, and where the reliability of content can be difficult to discern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic activities are closely related to real-world environmental issues. Currently, more attention is paid to the association between environmental regulations and industrial competitiveness (IC) because of pressures on economic development and environmental protection. In this study, we identify and explain the association between environmental regulations and IC in China. As the largest developing country in the world, China has the unavoidable responsibility of protecting the environment and promoting global economic development. We analyse the mechanisms behind environmental regulations and industrial competiveness at the provincial level and conclude that the impact of environmental regulations upon IC is not a simple linear one, but a U-shaped relationship. It is argued that the crucial intervention to activate the U-shaped relationship, or Porter's Hypothesis, is innovation, which can be triggered by stringent regulations and well-designed policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal migration is an emerging trend among seniors in China. In comparison with the lifestyle-oriented migrations of seniors in much of the western world, Chinese seniors often travel with a focus on improving their health and longevity. Adapting the concept of a therapeutic landscape, the changes experienced by seniors with health problems who visit Bama County, a remote area in southwest China well-known for the longevity of its residents, are explored through personal observation and in-depth interviews. All seniors reported improvements, to different degrees, in their physical, mental and social health. These positive transformations were attributed to the therapeutic physical, social and symbolic landscapes of Bama, as well as to the seniors’ proactive actions and their positive mindset. Implications are offered to the service industry, especially the broad tourism and hospitality industry, that is interested in attracting and catering to the aging Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tourism has long been one of the driving forces of island development, but may impose serious impacts on their physical and social composition and on island communities. Yujiale has been developed recently on many islands of China. It is a form of tourism through which households earn money by sharing fishing culture and products in the distinctive natural and cultural context of islands. This research assesses the provision of Yujiale services and products by fishing families of Digou village, Changdao Island, Changshan Archipelago, Shandong Province, China. It also assesses the community's perceptions and attitudes toward Yujiale tourism. On-site interviews and off-site analysis of online data reveal positive attitudes toward Yujiale tourism and the reinforcement of island identity among Yujiale operators. Despite offering similar services and products without much collaboration, diversification of Yujiale operations is emerging based on the varied assets of the fishing families and their engagement in fishing. However, at present, those with limited resources and capabilities are unable to take advantage of potential economic benefits. Suggestions are made to facilitate the provision of equitable opportunities to participate in and gain benefits from Yujiale tourism, so as to enhance island sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of China Tourism Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tourists and destination communities interact in different contexts. Such interactions play a key role in constructing a rewarding experience and cultural understanding for tourists and influence the social and cultural life of the destination community. It is particularly so at ethnic areas where tourism experiences are acquired through encounters with the ethnic community. A diagram of tourist–community interactions in ethnic tourism is developed to outline different types of interactions, factors affecting these interactions, and impacts to both groups of actors. This research explores tourist–community interactions through a comparative examination of tourists' and residents' perceptions at Tuva villages in Kanas Scenic Area (KSA), China. In-depth interviews were conducted with residents involved in tourism and tourists to KSA through two field investigations in 2010 and 2013. Research results indicate that the ethnic encounter is not perceived by tourists as a primary motivation to visit Kanas, but it contributes to the formation of a satisfactory on-site experience. Tourists and community members have diverse needs for these interactions and are impacted by these interactions to different degrees. The research also reveals that community participation influences how and to what extent these interactions occur. Practical implications for KSA are then discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image promotion has been a primary focus of destination marketing. Marketers are eager to learn whether their projected images have been transmitted to potential consumers and are incorporated into their images of the destination. This research compares the images projected by Qingdao (China) government agencies and those perceived by current visitors. The projected and perceived images of Qingdao were investigated by analyzing publicity materials and a questionnaire survey of visitors, respectively. Their relationships were explored using both a qualitative evaluation and statistical tests. The results show that the two types of images incorporated certain common image themes. However, the emphasis of the projected images did not relate significantly to what visitors considered to affect the quality of their experience. Therefore, Qingdao’s projected image was only partially delivered to and embraced by current visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to examine visitors’ perspective on World Heritage Sites (WHSs), the impact of WHS designation, and the fever of inscription on the World Heritage List (WHL) in China, which owns 47 WHS titles and 48 nominees on the tentative list of WHSs. We analyzed visitors’ perspectives on the inscription of Kanas on the WHL based on their cognition of WHSs and impacts of WHS designation. Data from 286 visitors were collected from the Kanas National Nature Reserve, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. Results of the research highlight that WHS designation does not equate to more tourists according to visitors’ perception, although the WHS brand guarantees tourism development. With its considerable socioeconomic and ecological benefits, inscription on the WHL is supported by visitors. Further analysis reveals that social development is a major factor in encouraging local governments to seek WHS designation. This study indicates that heritage education should be introduced prior to WHL inscription, in compliance with the purpose of the World Heritage Convention. In addition, cooperation among a multitude of stakeholders is necessary for the successful inscription on the WHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotourism development is closely associated with the sustainability of protected natural areas. When facilitated by appropriate management, ecotourism can contribute to conservation and development, as well as the well-being of local communities. As such, ecotourism has been proposed and practiced in different forms in many places, including China. This study assesses ecotourism development at Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province, China. Key informant interviews were conducted with representatives from the provincial Forestry Department, the Nature Reserve, and the local community. Observation was undertaken on three site visits and secondary data were collected. The potential for providing quality natural experiences is high and tourism development is occurring rapidly. However, current relationships between people, resources, and tourism have yet to provide mutual benefits necessary for successful ecotourism. The multi-stakeholder management style and the ambiguity of landownership within the nature reserve constitute structural difficulties for ecotourism management and operation. Although participation in ecotourism could provide a livelihood opportunity and interests in involvement in tourism have been identified among the local fishing community, current involvement is limited mainly due to the lack of mechanisms for participation. Therefore, it is recommended that management programs and government policies should be established to provide a platform for community participation in ecotourism. Then, a positive synergistic relationship between tourism, environment, and community could be developed. Planning and policy requirements are discussed for ecotourism development in protected areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the article "Psychometric properties of WISC-IV verbal scales: A study of students in China who are blind" which was published within the issue. He comments on the use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children to assess the cognitive functioning of children who are blind in China. He also explains the two measures used in psychometrics that were mentioned in the article namely validity and reliability.

ABSTRACT Community participation is crucial for successful heritage tourism and community development. Levels and ways of participation vary, depending on nature and context of heritage sites. This paper explores community participation in tourism at Mutianyu Great Wall, China. General positive perceptions toward World Heritage, tourism development and tourism impacts are held by different groups of the local community. Between-group differences indicate that local opinions are influenced by different levels of impacts from and participation in tourism. Community members receive benefits with minimal participation in decision making. This study provokes reflections on community participation theory and management practices in the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic examination of tour guide management in Hainan, China. A series of issues and problems with the implemented management mechanisms are identified. It reveals how inappropriate management measures contribute to deterioration of the guiding service and unhealthy operation of the guiding business. It argues that an enhanced tour guide management system could raise the professionalism of tour guides and also restrain improper business practices, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided by tour guides. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Heritage preservation and tourism use are inevitably intertwined at heritage sites and are characterized by both symbioses and tensions, particularly at World Heritage Sites, where international initiatives interact with local priorities. The international designation impacts heritage preservation, tourism development and community well-being at the local level, especially in developing countries. This paper examines global–local relationships, as well as involvement and governance at intermediate scales, and their implications for preservation and development at Badaling Great Wall World Heritage Site in Beijing, China, through examinations of its management structure, heritage preservation and development plans, and the opinions of the local business community. Interviews were conducted with key officials of the Management Office and questionnaire surveys were distributed with local business operators. It is shown that multiple stakeholders operate in a hierarchical, multi-departmental management structure. International linkages are weak and via central government. Positive economic impacts from tourism are highly valued. High awareness of heritage preservation and positive attitudes toward tourism are identified among local business operators with relatively high tolerance for negative environmental impacts. Potential conflicts between global priorities by World Heritage designation and local needs for tourism development are illustrated. Practical implications for heritage and tourism planning and management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since the latter half of the 20th century, rural communities with unique place-based assets have been re-imaged as tourist destinations. In some locales, new landscapes have emerged providing local products, cuisine, accommodation and experiences that attract the post-modern, heritage-seeking consumer. If profit and economic growth are the dominant drivers behind this transformation, these ‘heritage-scapes’ may be replaced by ‘leisure-scapes’ of mass consumption. Our goal in this paper is to determine if this transformation, known as ‘creative destruction,’ is underway in China''s historic towns, and, if so, to uncover the motivations that are driving this change. We focus on two communities, Daxu and Yangshuo, which share similar cultural assets. Our analysis of primary and secondary data reveals that the former is a slowly emerging heritage-scape, which has yet to reach its full tourism potential. In contrast, the latter is rapidly evolving into a leisure-scape that has taken full advantage of its international and domestic appeal. We discover that the public sector is largely responsible for the variations observed. Its desire to publicize and promote economic growth in Yangshuo, and not in Daxu, has influenced the types of stakeholders operating in these spaces, and the motivations that are driving change. We conclude that although the process of creative destruction is underway in this emerging market economy, its path cannot be pre-determined. Varied motivations, both modernist and post-modernist, may give rise to different landscapes and place identities in spaces sharing similar place-based assets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Local communities are the most affected but often neglected stakeholder in heritage tourism, though they are equipped with rich local knowledge and experience. The need to engage local communities in heritage tourism is well recognized. This paper explores the relationships between heritage tourism and the local community at World Heritage Sites in China. Through the case study of Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, the paper intends to understand the current situation of local participation in heritage tourism and identify impacts of heritage tourism development on the local community. Mutianyu Great Wall has been one of the most popular Great Wall sites in Beijing with tourism officially developed since 1988. Mutianyu village is located beside the tourist area and most village residents are involved in tourism on site through a variety of ways. Running small business outlets on site is the primary way of participation for Mutianyu village residents. A questionnaire survey was conducted in December 2008 with small business operators to acquire their opinions concerning impacts of World Heritage designation and tourism development, as well as their experiences of tourism participation. A total of 52 questionnaires were collected. Interviews were also conducted with key officials from Mutianyu Village to understand the current status of heritage protection, tourism development and local involvement in tourism. It is identified that Mutianyu village is highly dependent economically on tourism at Mutianyu Great Wall. Although not involved in the decision-making process nor properly informed of the planning results, local residents actively and extensively participate in tourism business. Results from the questionnaire survey indicate respondents' high recognition of the positive impacts of World Heritage designation and positive economic, social and cultural impacts from tourism. In contrast, emerging negative environmental impacts were observed by some respondents as a price being paid for economic benefits. This study will enhance the understanding of relationships between heritage tourism and community participation at World Heritage Sites in China. Research findings should also increase the awareness of the importance of local participation in tourism and help develop policies and management strategies to facilitate effective local participation in tourism development at World Heritage Sites in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife tourism is based on interactions between humans and wildlife. Although it is well understood that differences exist in the relationship in different cultures, existing management models are often based on a scientific approach rather than a cultural approach or an approach that integrates these perspectives. This study concentrates on the social and cultural factors affecting wildlife tourism management through a case study of Monkey Island in Hainan Province, China. Various stakeholders were interviewed about their views on conservation and tourism management. The "differential mode of association" of Chinese culture is used to understand conflicts and harmony in nature conservation and tourism development. It is shown that Chinese people are accustomed to treat wildlife in aesthetic and moral ways. A conservation model that does not take account of these cultural factors is likely to be ineffective. The research establishes and demonstrates the need and potential to study wildlife tourism from a cultural approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourist towns are a new and extraordinary form of urbanization in the peripheral regions of China, especially for regions where distinctive tourist attractions are located. Tourism urbanization is occurring in China due to high pressure for urbanization and because real estate has become a major development force. This article investigates the interconnected consequences of tourism development, tourism-related leisure property development, and the process of urbanization. The role of real estate in tourism development in China is illustrated. Policies for tourism real estate are assessed by examining the social, economic, and landscape consequences. Dali and Lijiang, the two tourist cities, are the case study areas of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments set the context in which entrepreneurship can or cannot occur. This paper examines the case of Yangshuo in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, to explore the influence of governmental involvement on heritage tourism development. This paper draws primarily on interviews with government officials, supplemented by surveys with residents, the business community and tourists, to understand the policies, marketing, and official attitudes and involvement of governments in tourism. Yangshuo has been successful at developing tourism in part because Yangshuo's governments accord great importance to tourism and have actively encouraged its development, adopting multiple supportive roles. Variations in government support can greatly influence the entrepreneurial environment and, hence, the style and pace of tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article compares the images of Qingdao, China, as perceived by visitors and residents and examines whether these images are affected by information sources, age, education, and place attachment. The data were collected using a self-administered survey of 578 visitors and 337 residents of Qingdao throughout June and July of 2009. The image construct was conceptualized into two dimensions: cognitive and affective. It was found that the images perceived by visitors and residents converged primarily on cognitive images and less so on affective images. The results of a Mann-Whitney U test reveal that the main differences between the images held by visitors and residents are in 10 cognitive images (seafood, cultural attraction, highway system, traffic congestion, airline schedules, local people, beaches, weather, scenery, and hygiene and cleanliness) and in two affective images (arousing-sleepy and exciting-gloomy). Spearman's rank correlation test revealed that there is a weak positive correlation between place attachment and the images of Qingdao perceived by both visitors and residents. Age, education, and information sources are only partially correlated with visitor and resident images, with weak correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nationalist government struggled to control the content and exhibition of motion pictures in Shanghai in the 1920s. Officials of the Shanghai Municipal Council in the foreign-controlled International Settlement, empowered by the right of extraterritoriality, stymied Chinese efforts to control foreign - predominantly American - motion pictures shown in the enclave. The struggle over political control was exacerbated by increasing nationalist sentiment and belief that foreign motion pictures contained distorted and unflattering images of China and its people. Demonstrations targeted Hollywood films including those by Douglas Fairbanks and Harold Lloyd. Ultimately, neither strenuous Chinese efforts nor stubborn foreign resistance could resolve the matter satisfactorily, but the dispute became moot with Japan's seizure of Shanghai in 1937. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews and assesses the Chinese academic literature on World Heritage Sites. Management structure, lack of financial resources, impacts on the World Heritage Sites and heritage education are themes that are commonly addressed. Research opportunities are identified. In particular, the need for more detailed case studies on a greater variety of sites is required. Such studies should be informed by clear concepts and appropriate theoretical frameworks if knowledge is to be cumulative and lead to the enhanced management of World Heritage Sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines resource uses on the coast of Jiangsu Province, China. It focuses on mudflat development and describes and evaluates the diverse resource uses, such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and nature reserves, harbors and industrial development, and the salt and the chemical industry, that are found there. Continuous population growth and economic demands have resulted in conflicts between the multiple uses and mudflat protection. It is suggested that more attention should be paid to utilization efficiency and high value-added mudflat products. A conceptual framework is presented to guide mudflat development and suitable uses for each county are suggested to support local livelihoods and maintain healthy ecological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Through their multiple roles in tourism, residents of destination communities interact with tourists at destinations. The consequences of these host-guest interactions are bi-directional. Much research has been done on impacts of host-guest interactions on the local community. On the other hand, few studies have evaluated how tourists' on-site behaviour and experiences are affected by such interactions. Such information could enhance tourism planning and management. Thus, this paper explores tourists' perceptions and opinions on host-guest interactions and the impacts of such interactions on their experiences. Through a survey of domestic travelers residing in Beijing China conducted in 2008, tourists' opinions on the influence of destination community members on their previous domestic travel behaviour and experiences were obtained. Most respondents acknowledged that interactions with local people influence their assessments of the destination, the quality of their experiences, future destination choice and on-site expenditures, particularly those with higher educations and of a younger age. The importance of impacts of host-guest interactions on tourists' travel behaviour and experiences, and their evaluations of a destination are confirmed. Practical implications are suggested for the planning and management of tourism destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Qinghai–Tibet railway opened in July 2006 and boosted Tibetan tourism markedly due to the increased accessibility and affordability of travel to Tibet. This study evaluates the impacts of the increased accessibility on tourists'' travel decisions for, and experiences in, Tibet from travelers'' perspectives. The relative importance of the train journey in comparison with the destination experience in Tibet is also examined. A survey of 187 travelers, 82 for the pre-visit and 105 for the post-visit samples, was used to collect travelers'' perceptions. Important destination choice factors for Tibet are identified. The importance of the railway to tourists'' destination choice of Tibet and in their overall travel experience of Tibet is confirmed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnic tourism is employed by many countries to facilitate economic and cultural development and to assist in heritage preservation. Although a substantial literature is devoted to the impacts of ethnic tourism, little research has been done on planning ethnic attractions or related management issues. This paper addresses this gap by examining the socio-cultural issues associated with ethnic tourism and exploring planning strategies for its development based upon empirical research in a well-known tourist destination in China – Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. A conceptual framework is developed and employed to compare and evaluate the perspectives of four key stakeholder groups (government, tourism entrepreneurs, ethnic minorities, and tourists). Tensions are identified that are endemic to ethnic tourism and cannot be eliminated but they can be understood, planned for, and managed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Qinghai-Tibet railway opened in July 2006 and boosted tourism to Tibet markedly due to the increased accessibility and affordability of travel. This research explores the differences between pre-visit and post-visit travellers, in terms of their travel motivations, satisfaction with the train journey, and the destination experience of Tibet. Reasons to induce the pre- and post-visit differences are also discussed. The relative importance of the train journey in comparison with the destination experience in Tibet is also examined. A survey of 187 travellers, 82 for the pre-visit and 105 for the post-visit samples, was used to collect travellers' perceptions. It identified that travellers to Tibet are motivated in similar ways despite difference in their demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. Differences between pre-visit expectation and post-visit satisfaction towards different destination attributes are discussed. The importance of the railway 19 tourists' destination choice of Tibet and in their overall travel experience of Tibet is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the efforts that a city in China has made to link economic development with the global scene. Shortly after China was opened to the outside world in 1978, Dalian officials had the foresight to include tourism in their urban plans. Tourism development has been an integral part of the overall urban development strategy. Environmental enhancement has upgraded the city's image and competitive competence. Multi-functional urban facilities have been constructed, such as conference centres that are aimed at and used by clients with multiple purposes. Tourism is well established in Dalian and has been a means of facilitating urban development rather than an end in itself. In spite of efforts to exert a global presence, the city is currently more influential at the regional rather than the global level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism has significant impacts on many communities where options for development are often limited. This paper examines ethnic minorities' perceptions of tourism impacts and their attitudes towards further development. Multiple research methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations were adopted in case studies conducted in two ethnic tourist villages, Dai Yuan and Mengjinglai, in Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. The findings indicate that these minority people generally have favourable perceptions of tourism impacts from socio-cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives, and would welcome further development of tourism. However, some negative aspects of tourism are perceived by a minority but considerable number of people. Tourism is operated by outside companies and local residents are generally excluded from park management and receive little economic benefit. Thus, minority residents should be more involved in tourism planning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]