Place Attachment and Heritage Tourism at the Great Wall

This article explores how involvement in heritage tourism development affects residents' place attachment through case studies at Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, China. Questionnaire surveys were administered in December 2008 at both sites to acquire opinions of local residents concerning tourism impacts. Sociocultural impact factors illustrating changes in place attachment were examined. Results indicate that the local people at both sites experienced enhanced recognition of the value and attractiveness of the Great Wall and their hometown through tourism development, strengthening their pride in their community and their willingness to stay. Tourism development also increased employment opportunities for local people. Thus, residents' emotional and functional attachments to their hometown were enhanced through their involvement in heritage tourism. Practical implications are discussed for heritage tourism planning and management.