Tourism is more about capturing hearts

A blogger recently posted a video claiming a wall has come up near the 214 National Highway, close to the Jinsha River Bay Viewing Platform in the Meili Snow Mountain National Park, Deqing county, Yunnan province. As the wall obstructs the view, tourists are now required to purchase tickets to view the scenery from an elevated area.

On Tuesday, local officials responded saying they had entrusted relevant companies to market the scenic spot and that the wall might eventually come down and the tourism area get "expanded", allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery without having to pay.

This approach may seem convenient in the short term, but it comes with negative consequences. It inevitably creates a negative impression if tourists are charged a fee without significant improvement in their experience.

The wall might help them generate some revenue, but it comes at the cost of abandoning other more sustainable development models. In the long run, it will harm not just the market entities but also the local residents benefiting from the increased revenue.

Tourist demands are undergoing noticeable changes. If the scenic area does not offer top-tier attractions, it will lead to an awkward situation of "enclosing the scenery but not capturing hearts".

The appeal of a scenic area lies not only in its beautiful landscapes but also in the lifestyle it embodies and the intimate connection it establishes with visitors. The income derived from such "walls" might be difficult to sustain, making it difficult for them to register income growth in the long run.

While beautiful scenery is undoubtedly important, it is no longer the sole attraction. Openness, mutually beneficial cooperation, and value-added services are important, rather than simply "enclosing" the area into a pay-to-see zone.