New Era of China Tourism Research

Abstract

This editorial essay provides a selective review of the current state of China tourism research in the global tourism scholarship. A paradigm shift is discussed as a critical issue facing China tourism research. The complexities of China tourism are highlighted with reference to the current economic, social and political realities in China. We argue that China tourism research has advanced into a new era, which will be marked by changes and transitions in topics, methodologies and researchers themselves. This editorial article also introduces the contributions to the Special Issue of “Domestic Tourism in China”.