Tourism Research in China: Understanding the Unique Cultural Contexts and Complexities

China provides many interesting opportunities for tourism research owing to its unique historic, economic and cultural background. This paper provides an overview of tourism research in China and provides an insight into the unique cultural contexts and complexities that have influenced tourism development and tourist behaviour. The perspectives, traditions and contexts of Chinese tourism research are explored by focussing on two important research areas: tourism development and tourism cultural studies. As a result of China's increasing openness to the international academic world, Western tourism research has begun to have a significant impact on research in China. However, the uncritical adoption of Western theories and research paradigms is not always appropriate. Key issues for facilitating the future development of tourism research in China are discussed.