Tourism in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

This study explores the sociocultural impact of international tourism upon the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), located in the northwest of the People's Republic of China. Xinjiang, with a glorious historical landscape of the Silk Roads and a cultural landscape built by the Uighur and Kazakh ethnic groups, possesses a significant number of potential tourist sites that are distinctive from the rest of China. Theoretical and comparative perspectives on tourism indicate several propositions: tourism is a marketing of culture; tourism causes a reawakening of culture; and tourism allows the preservation of historical sites. The sociocultural impact of international tourism in the XUAR is shown by the destinations of tourists and the tourist activities found in different zones. The central zone of Urumqi and Turpan sees the most tourists. Recent growth is evident in the southern zone of Kashgar, Kucha, and Korla. Gulja, in the north, shows minimal tourist activity. Tourism in both open and closed areas allows a comparison of the overall impact of tourism upon Xinjiang.