Tourism in Sacred Taoism site: spiritual sustainability or not?

Taoism is China’s indigenous religion and traditional philosophy, which has greatly influenced Chinese for centuries. Taoism regime tradition has revived as popular tourism attraction and spiritual philosophy in China.... [ view full abstract ]

Taoism is China’s indigenous religion and traditional philosophy, which has greatly influenced Chinese for centuries. Taoism regime tradition has revived as popular tourism attraction and spiritual philosophy in China. Wudang mountain is one of China’s most sacred Taoism sites and world Cultural Heritages by UNESCO. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Wudang in July 2014, and potential spiritual and wellness habits impact of Taoism tourism on visitors was investigated quantitatively via compare means and descriptive statistics . It concluded that: 1) summer holiday vacationers with families and friends dominated then tourist market, mostly for sunstroke prevention or family holiday purpose rather than religious incentives; 2) tourism experience in Wudang made respondents more appreciate Taoism philosophy, China’s traditional culture and wellness pattern than before; and respondents would like to modify their daily diet to keep fit . 3) spiritural impacts were obviously witnessed: most respondents accepted Taoism principles including: human should behave kindly to others and nature, people should try to manage their life by them own, to be better to others and protect natural environment even at their personal economic cost. 32.2% respondents admitted that their travel to Wudang had completely changed their view of life and values, they prefer more to mind peace and positive attitudes to life than before. Taoism travel has exerted more influence on tourists’ spiritual sustainability rather than health habits, which is meaningful for social and environmental sustainability development.

Keywords: Wellness tourism, Taoism tourism, Wudang Mountain, Spiritual sustainability