Cultural Tourism Case Study

Interactions between tourist and host can raise questions regarding cultural identity, authenticity and consumption (Clifford, 1997). Relationships are formed between tourist and host, where, in some cases, culture is created and shaped based on tourists’ desires (Erb, 2000). According to Erb (2000), the creation of cultural performances can be influenced by cross-cultural interactions and results in them being both manufactured and authentic. However, it is important to recognize that ideas of cultural authenticity regarding what is ‘real’ or ‘true’ about a particular culture are changing. The concept of ‘emergent authenticity’ presented by Cohen (1988) speaks to the dynamic nature of cultural authenticity by describing a process in which, over time, a once-deemed inauthentic cultural practice becomes

Most of the time, tourists seek a variety of attractions at a location and cultural tourism products may be one of several factors that create a tourist attraction. The possibility of overcrowding at a cultural site, especially during special holiday periods, will affect demand. In this case, Mount Taishan should take developing incentive measures to influence decision-making processes within society. It is necessary to create inducements to incite or motivate government, local people, and international organizations to conserve biological and cultural diversity. All existing legislation and economic policies need to be reviewed in order to identify and promote incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of the resources, and to remove or modify those that threaten biological diversity and cultural

It is located in central Shandong province, China, covering a total land area of 426 square kilometers. The peak of Mount Taishan is 1545 meters high, the highest peak in Shandong province. In ancient times, the Chinese believed that heaven and earth were propped up by five mountains, Taishan is one of them. It is sometimes referred to as Dong Yue or the ‘East Mountain’. (Appendix 1)

• In 219 BCE, the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, made a pilgrimage to Mount Taishan to offer thanks to the gods for his success in unifying all of China. Since then, there have been twelve historically recorded imperial ceremonies paying homage to their gods on the mountain, and the mountain has been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists, scholars and celebrities.

• With more than 5,000 years of civilization and numerous historic/cultural sites, Mount Taishan has become the epitome of both the history and culture of the Chinese nation. In 1985, it was designated as a National Top Scenic Spot; in 1992, it was recognized as a National Forest Park by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and it was authorized as a World heritage site by UNESCO in 2006 as a ‘World