Forty Years of China Tourism Research: Reflections and Prospects

This editorial paper provides some contextual knowledge for readers to have a better understanding of the issues covered in the special issue articles. A brief review of the evolution of tourism research in China was provided first, followed by some discussions of pertinent issues like research grants, journal publications, researcher generational shift, and overseas researchers’ involvement in China tourism studies. This paper also briefs on some critical issues and challenges facing China tourism research and introduces the articles included in the special issue.