Posted 2019/6/5
Tourism has exploded in China, especially the domestic industry. Traveland tourism contributed to 9.2% of the country’s total GDP in 2013, and is forecast to rise by 7.7% per annum in the next ten years. This prediction means that travel and tourism could result in a 10.1% contribution of the total GDP in 2024 – at a total of 11,887.6 billion RMB. Out of all this, 90.9% originates from domestic tourism. All these facts and figures aside, dozens of China’s most iconic attractions have long felt the brunt of mass tourism. From crippling numbers swamping the Great Wall to eternal queues at natural scenic sites, we outline five beautiful places in China “ruined” by tourism – and by ruined, we don’t necessarily mean the sites have been destroyed, they’ve just become – let’s say – increasingly difficult to appreciate. With China’s thirst for domestic tourism showing no signs of quenching, let’s hope that not all sites suffer from the same fate.
1) Beijing: The Great Wall and Nanluoguxiang Hutong
As the country’s capital, some of Beijing’s top scenic spots have suffered most under the influx of tourism in China. Examples include the famous Nanluoguxiang in Gulou, an old-style hutong alley that has been perfectly fitted for tourism; as well as Badaling, the section of the Great Wall easiest accessible from the city (and probably most restored).
During the high-season, Badaling is so full of people that it takes an hour of walking until you can actually see the wall. Not only is every inch of it rammed with tour groups, tour flags and the tourists wearing the same hats, but it also becomes exhausting to have to say ‘no’ to every little souvenir and drinks vendor. This section of the Great Wall has definitely been ruined as none of the original mystical and atmospheric scenery surrounding the wall has been left, and it is now disappointingly devoid of charm. Some of the watchtowers have also been physically ruined as people have written their names on them.
Nanluoguxiang has suffered a very similar fate. Not only is it clear that the streets are definitely not what they pretend to be – a depiction of the traditional hutong-style streets in Beijing – but they seem to have transformed into the opposite. Shops aimed at tourists cover this little section, along with bars and restaurants aiming at tourists’ tastes. This is perhaps the worst thing, as tourists set out to eat food that is supposedly altered for their tastes, and they do not experience real Chinese food. A much better option is to get lost in the hutong alleys surrounding Nanluoguxiang, as these are more authentic residential neighborhoods where you’ll find some great restaurants.
2) Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province is beautiful and served as the backdrop for Avatar. However, the nature park has suffered under mass tourism. In order to accommodate the busloads of tourists that come here every year, the park is full of unnecessary infrastructure for queuing (applying the worst queuing system imaginable), buses to different queues, a lift going up the side of a mountain, cable cars heading towards the top of the mountain next to it, buses going to the next cable car station, and finally, a McDonalds on top of Hallelujah mountain.
3) Lijiang
Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan Province has experienced a similar transformation. As the old political and commercial center for the Naxi people, the old town is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Hundreds of years ago, the city was a meeting point for those embarking upon a journey on the southern side of the Silk Road. Attracting a lot of attention from both foreign and Chinese tourists, the old town now has a lot of Western restaurants in it, as well as a bar street with tacky bars selling fake alcohol to tourists. Although back in the day tourists would go here to get lost in the old town’s alleys, you certainly won’t be doing that anymore without bumping into other tourists.
4) Yangshuo and Guilin
Located in southern Guanxi Province, Yangshuo and Guilin are famous for their hills and their location on the gorgeous Li River. The two cities are also clearly suffering under the expanding pressure of domestic and international tour groups. Not only are the hills in Guilin packed, some have fallen victim to tacky neon lighting and stick out like sore thumbs at night. The picturesque Li River is now filled with tours and cruises shuttling between the two cities. The city of Yangshuo itself has also fallen victim to mass tourism, as its main backpacker road has become a gaudy strip of tourist-geared cafes, bars and restaurants. Even the caves on the outskirts of Yangshuo have succumbed to neon lighting, ironically out-shining their natural beauty.
5) Xitang
Xitang is a traditional water village in Zhejiang Province near Shanghai, and was built on canals and rivers. Historically, during the Spring and Autumn period the village was located between the states of Yue and Wu. Nowadays, there are way too many people visiting, and the village has been adjusted to what the local tourism board thinks foreigners wants. For example, some of the houses have been re-styled to take on the shape that foreigners expect them to be – even more ‘Chinese’. All houses and streets are also lined with lanterns. Whereas before you could easily come here and experience real village life, now, everyone’s livelihoods have become entangled with tourists. This means you are also constantly bothered by street vendors and beggars.
It is definitely time for China to consider expanding its ecotourism sector, or to start seriously thinking about preservation of historical and natural sights. Not only does tourism bring the usual environmental damage, but it also has the ability to destroy communities or cultures, as well as traditional livelihoods, without really improving living standards.
