Rural community tourism in western Sichuan＇s Qiang nationality： a case study of Wulong Stockade

The importance of the local economy of the development of tourism resources in China＇s relatively underdeveloped minority areas is already common knowledge in academic and business circles. However it＇s necessary to research more on specific patterns of tourism development in these ethnic minority areas. This paper studies Wulong Stockade in Beichuan County in Sichuan Province and examines the distinctive experience of the local Qiang community about developing local tourism resources and the local funding of the development. It notes how the introduction of new re-afforestation laws of 1999 affected the traditional, agriculture-based economy and how a member of the communio： was a key motivator in initiating tourism as a new economic resource. It has also explored changes in the economic conditions of Qiang peasants since tourism began in Wulong Stockade, where local incomes have increased considerably. This paper focuses on a characteristic Qiang area in the mountains of western Sichuan, demonstrates the necessity and feasibility of community tourism development, and uggests that other ethnic minority mountain villages in rural areas draw lessons from Wulong Stockade＇s experience.

Rural community tourism in western Sichuan＇s Qiang nationality： a case study of Wulong Stockade

Community tourism Qiang nationality Wulong Stockade Economic development