The Chinese authorities are realizing that compatriots on holiday not only move abroad, but also within their own vast country. In short, Chinese tourists are not only anxious to get to know culturally and geographically very distant countries, but are beginning to show interest in the natural beauties and artistic, social and cultural riches of their own home. In 2013, domestic tourism in China increased by 10% compared to the previous year, and the increase is largely due to ethnic tourism, ie travel to discover the culture and customs of the country's ethnic minorities. What we are witnessing in China is a real boom in the sector, and the institutions are starting to take an active interest in it, considering favorably both the production of income that these domestic trips involve, and the production, which cannot be cashed in but no less important for this , of an image of China as a country where diversities can coexist happily and fruitfully. And so it is all a flourishing of ethnic festivals, where visitors find themselves taking part in dragon dances, cheering on buffalo battles, singing popular songs together with the inhabitants of a remote village dressed in traditional costumes. As it is not difficult to predict, every cultural event is followed by a large procession of sellers of souvenirs and local handicrafts. Thanks to all this turmoil, the poorest ethnic minorities enjoy a considerable income and cultural traditions are kept alive which otherwise would risk disappearing. There are also those who fear, however, that within a short time these traditions will be transformed into a mere tourist attraction, no longer of value and authenticity. “For those like me who have been to Guizhou Province years ago,” said He, one of the first-hour ethnic tourists, “today's demonstrations appear somewhat false. They lack the simplicity they once had, to the point that one wonders what they will look like in a few years”.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2014/04/21/405813/China-ethnic.htm
