Spatial polarization of villages in tourist destinations: A case study from Yesanpo, China

Spatial perspectives were applied to examine the processes of growth and development in rural settlements affected by tourism. Based on field surveys and GIS spatial analysis methods, we studied the spatial evolution of two villages (Jiaojiekou and Gougezhuang) in the Yesanpo tourist area over the last 25 years. The results revealed a polarization trend, with Jiaojiekou becoming a ‘hollowed’ village and Gougezhuang developing into a ‘new-type’ tourist town. This polarization indicates the unsustainability of rural development in tourist destinations, which is manifested by the following features: only some villages benefit from the development of tourism; there is simultaneously a shortage of land in tourist villages and a wastage of land in traditional villages; and the function of the villages is deficient. Nevertheless, the spillover of the effects of tourism may provide an opportunity for the development of traditional villages. To better utilize this opportunity, we propose that: (1) integrated rural tourism management should be developed to explore effective methods of promoting tourism as part of a rural development strategy; (2) different land use policies are required for different villages; and (3) the balance between government regulation and community participation should be emphasized.