Mapping the Socioeconomic Nexus of Urbanization, Tea Culture, and Sustainable Tea-based Tourism in Yibin City, Sichuan, China
Wang Jue, Ahmad Fariz Bin Mohamed
This study delves into the socioeconomic dynamics shaped by urbanization, the urbanization legacy of tea culture, and the emergence of sustainable tea-based tourism within Yibin City, Sichuan, China. Its primary aim is to elucidate the interconnected effects of urban development on traditional tea practices and the viability of eco-conscious tourism as a sustainable economic model—the objective canters on identifying integrative strategies that foster economic growth while preserving cultural heritage and environmental integrity. Utilizing a framework, the research was conducted through semi-structured interviews from n=20 respondents, selected via purposive sampling to encompass a broad spectrum of perspectives. This cohort included local tea farmers, tourism operators, and community leaders, each providing valuable insights into the study's themes. Semi-structured interviews facilitated the collection of rich, detailed narratives, which were analyzed using analytical analysis supported by NVIVO software. The findings highlight a complex interplay between urban growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism, unveiling challenges such as the encroachment of urban development on tea cultivation areas and opportunities like the increased global interest in sustainable tourism practices. Key themes emerged, including the nuanced impacts of urbanization, the transformative role of sustainable tourism, economic shifts affecting community wellbeing, environmental stewardship within tea production, and the critical need for adaptive policy frameworks. The research underscores the imperative for a multifaceted approach that aligns economic aspirations with conserving Yibin's cultural and natural landscapes. It advocates for inclusive policies and planning practices, ensuring that the evolution of Yibin's tea industry and tourism sector contributes to a sustainable and culturally rich future.
Keywords: Yibin City; Tea culture; Urbanization; Sustainable livelihoods; Tea Tourism
