PRESERVING XISUO VILLAGE: A DELICATE DANCE BETWEEN ETHNIC TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

The recent surge in rural tourism development has presented unique opportunities for ethnic villages, allowing them to leverage their distinct cultural characteristics for tourism. As the scope of tourism development and infrastructure construction continues to expand, the efficiency of the tourism industry has experienced considerable growth and enhancement. The tourism sector has yielded significant benefits, but it is not without challenges and risks. Striking the right balance between preserving the ethnic identity of these villages and fostering their development remains a complex challenge. Overprotecting them may hinder growth, while excessive development can lead to the erasure of their ethnic character. Ethnic villages play a multifaceted role, serving as the shared homes for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and as physical spaces for interaction, communication, and integration among various ethnic groups throughout history. Xisuo Village, situated in Ma’erkang City, Sichuan Province, stands as a pivotal protected entity among ethnic villages and faces both opportunities and challenges in its tourism industry. This paper, rooted in the historical development and ethnic distinctiveness of Xisuo Village, adopts the interaction, communication, and integration among various ethnic groups as its primary research focus. It delves into the issues confronting its tourism development and explores strategies for sustainable tourism development in the region