OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT OF THE CULTURAL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE YANGTZE RIVER DELTA UNDER THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Authors

  • Yang Feng Zhejiang International Studies University, Zhejiang, China
  • Wenqi Dong Zhejiang International Studies University, Zhejiang, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v11i4.2058

Keywords:

cultural and tourism industry in the Yangtze River Delta, China, opportunities and challenges, development strategies

Abstract

In recent years, the scale of the cultural and tourism industry in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) has exceeded 11% of the regional GDP, while related employment has accounted for 10% of the total local workforce. As an emerging green pillar industry with significant growth potential, cultural and tourism development has increasingly served as an “efficiency multiplier” for multiple sectors. How to further advance the high-quality development of the YRD cultural and tourism industry, transform the region into a world-class tourism destination, enhance the happiness index of local residents, and promote global understanding and cooperation through cultural and tourism exchanges, thereby driving higher-quality, more integrated socio-economic development in the region, has become a critical strategic task requiring careful planning and sustained attention. Drawing on literature review and field investigation, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the current challenges and opportunities for the high-quality development of the YRD cultural and tourism industry under the Belt and Road Initiative. It further proposes concrete strategies and development plans for the next 5–10 years, with the aim of raising the industry’s contribution to 20% of the YRD’s GDP (10 trillion RMB) and increasing its share of total employment to 15%. The findings are intended to provide evidence-based reference for policymakers in formulating comprehensive development plans for the YRD cultural and tourism industry.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Yang Feng, Zhejiang International Studies University, Zhejiang, China

    Yang Feng (PhD) is an associate professor of English education and project supervisor at the School of English Studies, Zhejiang International Studies University. His research interests include TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and technology in education.

  • Wenqi Dong, Zhejiang International Studies University, Zhejiang, China

    Wenqi Dong is a postgraduate student majoring in English education at the School of English Studies, Zhejiang International Studies University. Her research interests include TEFL and education studies.

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Published

2025-10-17

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles