A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF CULTURAL TOURISM IN AN ANCIENT WATER TOWN IN CHINA.

Abstract

Ancient water towns in China are important cultural landscapes because they illustrate the country's history, architecture, and social life. This is why they are such an important element of Chinese culture. For hundreds of years, people have worked to protect these historic aquatic habitats. Over the last several years, they have become more well-known as cultural tourist spots. This has drawn in enormous crowds and helped local businesses thrive. Because of the serious environmental problems that have come up because of this growth, the fragile balance between protecting cultural treasures and welcoming more and more people is in danger. This happens because this development has occurred. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of these issues on the sustainability and conservation of ancient water cities. These problems, in addition to the loss of cultural authenticity, include overpopulation, environmental deterioration, too much commercialisation, and the loss of cultural authenticity. The issues that have been found put both the ecological health of water towns and the cultural importance of these locations at risk. Water towns are very important to culture. Even said, tourism may bring new life, promote culture, and boost the economy of the areas it visits if it is done in the right manner. It has been determined that the preservation of old water towns requires concerted efforts to protect the environment, implement planning that does not damage historical sites, and actively include the local population. People who reside in the region are seen to be vital to the study process. This is because they are actively involved in the growth of tourism and are in charge of keeping cultural traditions alive. To protect the distinctive character and long-lasting strength of China's historic water towns, a balance must be struck between the rise of tourism and the execution of conservation initiatives. In this context, this article has focused on critical assessment of existing sustainability challenges faced in ancient water town in China.