Renda_Lecture_Feb22

Ethnic Tourism and Theme Parks

Introduction

• Author: Stefania Renda, Ph.D.

• Field of Study:

  • Ph.D. in Ethnology from Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, PRC

  • MA in Cultural Anthropology, Ethnology, and Ethnolinguistic, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

  • BA in Chinese Language and Culture from the same university

• Research Fields:

  • Tourism Anthropology

  • Feminist Anthropology

  • Gender Studies

  • Kinship Systems

Tourism in China

Overview

• Population Statistics (2020 Census):

  • Total Population: 1.4118 billion

  • Han Chinese: 91.11%

  • Minorities: 8.89%

• Government Slogan:

  • "Long live the great unity of all the peoples of the whole nation"

Ethnic Theme Parks

• Development:

  • Initiated in the 1990s with the success of "Splendid China" and "Chinese Folk Cultural Village"

  • Phenomenon termed "theme park fever"

  • Resulted in the creation of 16 ethnic theme parks and around 100 smaller parks focusing on Chinese history and ethnic minorities.

Characteristics of Theme Parks

• Key Features:

  • Thematic identity

  • Multiple themed areas

  • Controlled access and closed space

  • Large capacity for visitors

  • Availability of rides, shows, games, entertainment, and dining facilities

Ethnic Theme Parks

Definition and Purpose

• Commercial parks showcasing ethnic diversity in a single setting

• Activities include visits to indigenous villages, participation in ethnic events, and purchasing handicrafts

Cultural Representation

• Cultures, customs, foods, songs, dances of minorities are integrated into tourism through advertisements and experiences (e.g., Yunnan Minzu Village)

Case Study: Yunnan Minzu Village

Overview

• Built in 1992 featuring 25 replica villages

• Main Purposes:

  1. Display and represent cultures of 25 ethnic minorities in Yunnan

  2. Preserve, revive, and enhance ethnic cultures and pride

  3. Foster unity among ethnic minorities and provide educational opportunities

The Mosuo People

• Demographics:

  • Population: approx. 40,000

• Recognition:

  • Yunnan government classifies them as part of Naxi culture; in Sichuan, as Mongols

  • Request to identify as "Mosuo" granted in 1997

• Language:

  • Tibeto-Burman family with no written system

• Beliefs:

  • Daba belief system and Tibetan Buddhism

Cultural Tourism Perspectives

Tourist Attractions & Images

• Attractions shaped by natural environments (e.g., Lugu Lake) and cultural markers like Mosuo women and traditions

Representation of Mosuo Culture

• Cultural Markers:

  1. The dwelling

  2. Traditional dress

  3. Jacuo dance

• Tourism Education: The Mosuo House exemplifies the complexities of ethnic identity in China

Final Consideration

• Political Context:

  • Emphasizes unity among ethnic minorities within Chinese state narratives

  • Mosuo people represented as part of the Naxi ethnic group

• Cultural Identity:

  • Representations produced through political discourse, local tourist interactions, and self-representation

  • Aim to restore notions of authenticity while navigating state narratives

Contact Information

• Dr. Stefania Renda

• Email: stefania.renda@unive.it