Intangible cultural heritage protection from the perspective of cultural tourism: a case study of Shaanxi Province, China

Abstract Amidst China’s ongoing economic growth, the demand for public cultural resources has significantly risen, highlighting disparities in supply and demand. To address this issue, public cultural service reform is imperative. This article focuses on the consolidation of public cultural resource class scenic spots and their attributes. It outlines the theoretical foundations of free access to such resources and examines their positive impacts on the economy, society, and tourism. However, this approach also poses challenges, such as disrupting the economic balance of scenic areas, reduced enthusiasm for opening these spots, management difficulties, and unsustainable visitor growth. The study delves deeper into these challenges by using Xi’an Datang Furong Garden Scenic Spot as a case study, exploring how government can effectively manage public cultural resources, balance economic interests, and promote scientific protection and sustainable utilization. The paper suggests increasing financial subsidies, developing service projects, resource and environment protection, optimizing management mechanisms, and enhancing the industrial structure to ensure the sustainable development of free scenic spots. This research holds significant practical relevance.