Research On The Changes Of Folk Culture Based On The Theory Of Tourism Gaze

For our society, to achieve moderate prosperity on an extensive level, the development of culture industry stands essential and at present the structural upgrading is the key. Specifically, it is a present need to realize this in less developed regions in China. One of the tasks on the road is to develop cultural tourism. That is,to combine culture with ecological tourism and technology such as big data.Meanwhile, to realize economic benefits at the same time preserving folk culture is another important facet as well. Moreover, to promote cultural creations, unleash the potential of creativity, and enhance the quality of cultural service provided, are other important tasks too.In this paper, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is used as an exclusive example, and the analysis is based on tourist gaze theory. Various traits are studied during the changing process of the folk culture in this region, and also it examines the mutual influences between tourists and the local people. After these, the conclusion is reached that the local culture has experienced a process from ‘non-zero-sum game’ to‘zero-sum game’, then to ‘non-zero-sum game’ again. And a proposal is made in terms of folk culture protection, preservation and transitioning.Introduction and conclusion are set in the beginning and at the end, between which are 5 chapters. These summaries of each are as follows:Part one is introduction. The purpose and use of carrying out this study are introduced. Before setting out the research method and reflecting on possible merits and defects, it makes a contrast with similar researches already done in other countries,and also related theories used in such are elaborated.Chapter Two introduces the folk culture and geographical features of Xijiang Qianhu Miao village. The features are its unique location, populated residence,picturesque landscape and fast-developing transport. Using it as an example, it manifests that culture tourism and the culture industry is playing an important role in the economy development.The next chapter is based on materials collected through field survey. Using the gaze theory, it examines every possible stages of the folk culture. To be more specific,it has experienced a spectacular transformation both materially and socially, and the local people also went through a radical change in terms of the language they use and their spiritual world. The major forces of these changes would be improving economy,and changing social context. Meanwhile, reviving group identity and new social values are other forces that should not be underestimated.This fourth chapter would further examine these factors and focus on the transformation from ‘initial period’, to ‘tourist gaze’ and ‘native gaze’stages. In the gaze initial period, tourists and natives share the equal status. Then the balance was broken during the next stage before the natives to make series of arrangement to maintain the level of attraction in the end.The fifth chapter is discussion based on the previous examines. It thinks that the speed and degree of each particular changes are not always on the same pace. For example, while ‘dissemination’ is on set at the same time of ‘reconstruction’, the transitioning of spiritual folk culture took place before that of material folk culture.Given the fact that the transition is irreversible and susceptible to guidance, raising the‘cultural consciousness’ is important during the preservation and transitioning. And the factor of dynamic development in the protection of intangible cultural heritage should be encouraged and maintained.The last is the conclusion. The tourist gaze theory as a method in studying transition of folk culture has played an unique role. And it reemphasizes the necessity to create and enhance cultural consciousness and the need to appreciate the cultural originality to make its thriving possible.