During state visits to Central Asia in September 2013 and ASEAN countries in October 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed the dual strategic concepts of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st-Century Maritime Silk Road," collectively known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative transcends conventional regional economic cooperation models by advocating an open, inclusive framework that engages all stakeholders through institutional openness, embodying both China's civilizational legacy and its contemporary commitment to realizing the "Chinese Dream" of national rejuvenation.
The ocean, possessing abundant natural resources, serves as an integral component of Earth and a critical condition for human survival. Its energy resources, biological resources, mineral resources, and transportation resources all hold tremendous economic and developmental value. The 21st century demands our comprehensive understanding, sustainable utilization, and effective protection of marine resources, making marine economic development essential for alleviating global pressures from population growth, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.
China's jurisdictional waters span 38 degrees of latitude from north to south, encompassing tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate zones. Its continental coastline stretches over 18,000 kilometers from the Yalu River in the north to the Beilun Estuary in the south. Including the 14,000-kilometer island coastline, China's total coastline ranks as the world's fourth longest. The continental shelf spans 1.3 million square kilometers (fifth largest worldwide), while territorial seas and internal waters cover approximately 370,000-380,000 square kilometers. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states may establish 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and continental shelves as jurisdictional areas. Within these zones, coastal nations possess sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources. Boasting vast marine territories, China harbors abundant marine resources.
Since its reform and opening-up, China has achieved astonishing economic accomplishments. Upon entering the 21st century, its marine economy surged forward with exceptional momentum. According to preliminary National Oceanic Administration statistics, the gross ocean product reached 7.7611 trillion yuan in 2017—marking 6.9% year-on-year growth—accounting for 9.4% of the national GDP. Concurrently, monumental advances emerged in marine legislation, oceanic technology, marine energy exploration, and resource utilization. Citizens' maritime rights awareness and environmental consciousness markedly elevated, progressively fostering development paradigms like marine industrial clusters and integrated land-sea development.
However, China's marine industries remain relatively underdeveloped overall. Excessive exploitation further strains environmental carrying capacity: dwindling marine biodiversity and energy reserves, encroaching seawater salinification, eroding coastlines, and shrinking coastal wetlands and mudflats. These escalating crises demonstrate that labor-intensive models—centered on primitive resource extraction and primary aquatic product processing—no longer suit contemporary societal needs. Urgent challenges needing addressing include regional development imbalances across marine sectors; suboptimal industrial structures; deficient technological sophistication; nascent marine industries yet to achieve scale. These critical issues constitute the core themes explored herein.
Marine industries are classified differently. Traditional marine industries are systematically categorized into twelve sectors under China's National Standard for Marine and Related Industry Classification (GB/T 20794-2021): marine fisheries, offshore oil and gas, marine mining, shipbuilding, salt production, marine chemicals, marine biomedicine, marine engineering construction, marine power generation (including tidal/wave energy), seawater utilization, marine transportation, and coastal tourism.
Scholars demarcate marine industries into three tiers based on their developmental chronology: long-established, emergent, and prospective. Within this framework:
—Long-established industries encompass offshore fishing capture, marine salt production, and maritime transportation;
—Emergent industries comprise mariculture, coastal tourism, and offshore hydrocarbon extraction;
—Prospective industries characterize the domains of marine resource development, oceanographic monitoring systems, deep-sea mineral mining, marine information services, comprehensive seawater utilization, marine biotechnology, and oceanic energy harnessing.
Some scholars categorize marine industries into three sectors:
• Primary Marine Industries:
Encompass marine aquatic products and fishery services within marine fishing, along with first-sector components of marine-related industries.
•Secondary Marine Industries:
Include marine aquatic product processing, offshore oil/gas, marine mining, sea salt production, marine chemicals, marine biomedicine, marine power generation, seawater utilization, shipbuilding, marine engineering construction, and second-sector components of marine-related industries.
• Tertiary Marine Industries:
Cover marine transportation, coastal tourism, marine scientific research/education/management services, and third-sector components of marine-related industries.
In accordance with the directive to "pursue land-sea integrated development and accelerate building China into a maritime power" outlined in the 19th CPC National Congress Report, China’' marine economy sectors shall steadfastly implement the new development philosophy of innovation, coordination, green, open, and shared principles. They will proactively adapt to and lead this dynamic momentum in marine economic advancement, accelerate supply-side structural reform, concentrate efforts on optimizing marine economic regional distribution, elevate marine industrial structures and development tiers, and enhance marine science and technology innovation capabilities.
This multi-volume collection seeks to provide rationalized proposals and theoretical support for China's endeavor to expand its blue economy horizons and construct maritime power. It offers scholarly contributions toward realizing the Chinese Dream—the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
This collection synthesizes the rational essences of China's traditional Yellow Ocean Perspective and the Western Blue Ocean Perspective, integrating these with an emergent Green Ocean Outlook. It elucidates the historical consciousness guiding marine industrial advancement, forging a revolutionary modern oceanic paradigm. Against the backdrop of global economic integration—where peace and development constitute our era's dual defining themes—this paradigm operates through the lens of dialectical unity between land and sea for maritime cognition, utilization, exploitation, and governance. This modern vision transcends the temporal constraints of China's historical Yellow Perspective and the West's historic Blue Perspective, embodying the spirit of heritage continuity and theoretical innovation.
The 21st century is indisputably the Century of Oceans: those who dominate the seas shall prevail throughout history, while those who neglect them shall falter—thus dictates oceanic dominance among global powers.
Chapter 1 The Past and Present of Tourism ............................................................................................... 1
Section 1 Tourism: The Sunrise Industry ............................................................................................1
I. Ancient Chinese Tourism Philosophy and Activities.............................................................. 2
II. Tourism Today.......................................................................................................................... 6
III. Aesthetics in Tourism Experiences........................................................................................ 7
Section 2 Classification of Tourism Resources....................................................................................8
I. Traditional Tourism Resource Classification Criteria ........................................................... 8
II. Classification of Marine Leisure Tourism Resources......................................................... 10
III. Principles for Developing Marine Leisure Tourism Resources........................................15
Section 3 Prospects for the Development of Marine Tourism......................................................... 21
Chapter 2 Coastal Tourism ......................................................................................................................... 23
Section 1 Composition of the Coast.................................................................................................... 23
I. Bedrock Coasts..........................................................................................................................23
II. Plains Coast..............................................................................................................................24
III. Biogenic Coasts...................................................................................................................... 25
Section 2 Coastal Vacations.................................................................................................................27
I. Pleasant Climate—Seaside as a Summer Tourist Resort.....................................................27
II. Most Resorts and Sanatoriums are Located Along the Coast............................................28
Section 3 Seaside as an Excellent Viewing Platform.........................................................................30
I. The Beauty of the Ocean.......................................................................................................... 30
II. The Magnificence of Mountains and Rocks......................................................................... 33
Section 4 Beaches and Bathing Resorts..............................................................................................37
I. Beach Colors as Unique Tourism Resources......................................................................... 37
II. Beach Bathing Resorts as Summer Retreats for Tourists.................................................. 42
Section 5 Colored Oceans.................................................................................................................... 43
I. Yellow Sea ..................................................................................................................................43
II. Red Sea ..................................................................................................................................... 43
III. Black Sea .................................................................................................................................44
IV.White Sea ................................................................................................................................. 45
V. Green Sea ..................................................................................................................................45
Section 6 Other Tourist Attractions................................................................................................... 46
I. First Bridge of the East China Sea ..........................................................................................46
II. Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, Fujian.................................................................................. 47
III. Submarine Tunnels................................................................................................................48
IV. Tidal Power Stations..............................................................................................................49
V. Tidal Protection Dykes............................................................................................................49
VI. Ports.........................................................................................................................................50
VII. Historic Streets......................................................................................................................51
Section 7 Prospects for Coastal Tourism Development....................................................................52
Chapter 3 Island Tourism............................................................................................................................54
Section 1 Classification and Resource Advantages of Islands......................................................... 54
I. Classification of Islands in China ............................................................................................54
II. Well-Developed Tourist Islands in China .............................................................................55
III. Advantages of Island Tourism ............................................................................................. 55
IV. Characteristics of Island Tourism ........................................................................................58
Section 2 Diverse Island Landforms...................................................................................................58
I. Continental Islands................................................................................................................... 59
II. Coral Islands............................................................................................................................60
III. Volcanic Islands..................................................................................................................... 61
IV. Alluvial Islands.......................................................................................................................62
V. Tombolo Islands.......................................................................................................................63
Section 3 Diverse Natural Landscapes............................................................................................... 63
I. Small Islands Formed by Shell and Sand Deposits............................................................... 63
II. Islands with Exceptionally-Developed Marine Erosion Landforms..................................64
III. Liugong Island with the "Museum of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895"............... 65
IV. Tianheng Island, Where 500 Warriors Sacrificed Themselves.........................................66
V."Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky"—Mount Putuo ..........................................................66
VI. Ancient Glacial Remains....................................................................................................... 66
VII. The Wonder of the Natural Skybridge .............................................................................. 69
VIII. Huadu Island....................................................................................................................... 69
IX. Islands with Unique Geomorphic Shapes............................................................................70
X. Lush Taohua Island (Peach Blossom Island)....................................................................... 72
XI. Island of Camellias Japonica ................................................................................................ 73
XII. Dazhou Island (Yanwo Island)............................................................................................74
Section 4 Prospects for Island Tourism ..............................................................................................74
Chapter 4 Marine Folk Tourism .................................................................................................................75
Section 1 Coastal Regions Unite in Sea Worship Rituals.................................................................75
I. Dalian Fisherman's Festival: A Comprehensive Gala of Marine Culture ......................... 75
II. Tianjin Sea Opening Festival: Hundreds of Boats Ready to Set Sail, Sharing a Feast... 76
III. Qingdao Sea Worship Ceremony: Enhancing Tourism Culture ......................................77
IV. Huangsha Port Fishing Festival: Praying for Blessings by Worshiping the Sea ............ 79
V. Xiangshan Fishing Moratorium Sea Worship: Giving Thanks to the Ocean...................80
VI. Guangzhou's Long-Standing Sea Worship: The Majestic Nanhai Temple .....................80
VII. Sanya "Dragon Raising Head" Sea Worship: Promoting Marine Culture ...................81
VIII. Dongxing's Ritual Celebration for the Sea God: the Kinh People's "Ha" Festival
(Singing Festival) by the Sea ....................................................................................................... 82
Section 2 Rural Seaside Banquets: Endless Joy of Marine Folklore .............................................. 83
I. Qingdao Rural Seaside Banquets: Showcasing Local Charms Across Bays and Routes. 83
II. Zhoushan Fisherman's Banquets: Experiencing Fishermen's Lives.................................84
Section 3 Mazu Culture Through the Ages: Eternal Marine Spirit................................................85
I. Mazu Thousand-Person Peace Banquet: Mazu Sentiments in Cuisine .............................. 86
II. Mazu Culture Forum: Boosting Marine Culture Dissemination.......................................86
III. Numerous Mazu Temples Nationwide: Perpetuating the Marine Spirit.........................87
IV. Mazu Culture Tourism Festival: Building a New Marine Brand.....................................90
V. Upholding the Mazu Spirit: Innovating the Maritime Silk Road...................................... 91
Section 4 Marine Sculptures: Eternal Symbols of Marine Civilization..........................................91
I. Maritime Themed Sculptures: Blessing Marine Safety........................................................91
II. Exploring Underwater Sculptures: Witnessing Submarine Wonders.............................. 93
Section 5 Prospects for Marine Folk Tourism Development...........................................................94
Chapter 5 Marine Cultural Tourism ..........................................................................................................95
Section 1 Tower of Civilization Guiding the Way—Marine Lighthouses......................................95
I. Famous Lighthouses Along China's Coast.............................................................................95
II. Renowned Lighthouses in Other Countries....................................................................... 104
Section 2 Marine Drama—A Chapter in the Epic of Marine Civilization...................................113
Section 3 Marine Literature—Written Records Promoting the Development of Marine Culture114
Section 4 Marine Film and Television—Effective Channel for Boosting Marine Tourism ....... 116
I. Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Seas...............................................................................116
II. The Descendants of the Sun .................................................................................................. 116
Section 5 China Marine Culture Festival—Comprehensive Gala of the Marine Community .. 117
Section 6 Marine Painting—A Vivid Dialogue with the Ocean.....................................................118
I. Marine Paintings Emerging from the Sea: Rarity Makes a Treasure .............................. 118
II. The Magnificent Ocean as a Living Painting: Marine Art Schools Enhancing National
Prestige ........................................................................................................................................ 119
Section 7 Marine Embroidery—Stitching a Blueprint Thread by Thread..................................120
Chapter 6 Marine Aquarium and Museum Tourism............................................................................. 121
Section 1 A Journey Through the Wonders of Indoor Marine Creations—Marine Aquariums121
I. Classifications by Function.................................................................................................... 121
II. Classification by Construction Purpose of Aquariums.....................................................134
Section 2 Introduction to Famous Aquariums at Home and Abroad...........................................136
I. Famous Aquariums in China .................................................................................................136
II. Introduction to Aquariums in Other Countries.................................................................140
Section 3 Development Prospects of Marine Aquariums and Museums......................................147
Chapter 7 Cruise Tourism .........................................................................................................................148
Section 1 Cruise Tourism ...................................................................................................................148
I. Concept of Cruise Ships......................................................................................................... 148
II. Concept of Cruise Tourism .................................................................................................. 148
Section 2 Development History of Cruise Tourism .........................................................................149
I. Development of Overseas Cruise Tourism ...........................................................................149
II. Development of Cruise Tourism in China ..........................................................................150
Section 3 World Cruise Lines............................................................................................................151
Section 4 Featured Cities for Cruise Tourism in China .................................................................173
I. Qingdao .................................................................................................................................... 173
II. Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center & Wusongkou Cruise Terminal 174
III. Xiamen International Cruise Center .................................................................................175
IV. Sanya Phoenix Island Cruise Terminal............................................................................. 175
V. Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal.......................................................................176
VI. Dalian.................................................................................................................................... 176
Section 5 Introduction to Large Cruise Ships in China ................................................................. 176
I. MS Henna Cruise ....................................................................................................................176
II. Zhonghua Tai Shan Cruise .................................................................................................. 177
Section 6 Prospects for the Development of Cruise Tourism ........................................................ 178
Chapter 8 Diving Tourism .........................................................................................................................179
Section 1 Overview of Diving Tourism .............................................................................................179
I. Concept of Diving Tourism ....................................................................................................179
II. The Rise of Diving Tourism in China ................................................................................. 179
III. Classification of Diving Tourism ........................................................................................180
Section 2 Introduction to Diving Tourism Scenic Areas in China ................................................ 181
I. Diving Tourism in Sanya, Hainan.........................................................................................181
II. Diving Expands to Guangzhou: Diverse Scenery Across Regions—Guangdong Diving
Tourism ........................................................................................................................................185
III. Thousands of Islands Scattered Like Stars: Roaming Diving in Zhejiang's Thousand
Island Lake ..................................................................................................................................193
IV. A Fairyland on Earth for Blissful Diving—Changdao, Shandong ................................. 194
V. Northern China's Premier Diving Destination—Dalian Haishijie Diving Base ............. 195
Section 3 World-Class Diving Sanctuaries Beyond Borders......................................................... 195
I. Thailand ................................................................................................................................... 195
II. Malaysia ..................................................................................................................................197
III. Indonesia ...............................................................................................................................201
IV. Australia ................................................................................................................................203
V. Egypt....................................................................................................................................... 204
VI. Palau...................................................................................................................................... 204
VII. Costa Rica ............................................................................................................................205
VIII. Belize .................................................................................................................................. 206
Section 4 Prospects for the Development of Diving Tourism ........................................................ 207
Chapter 9 Marine MICE Tourism ............................................................................................................208
Section 1 Domestic Marine-Related Exhibitions.............................................................................208
I. Barometer of Marine Tourism Development—Recreational Fishing, Leisure Fishing
Villages and Marine Entertainment Industry Expo ............................................................... 208
II. Based in Hainan, Radiating Across China, Influencing the World—Hainan
International Marine Tourism Expo ........................................................................................208
III. Scientific Development of Marine Resources, Building Dreams and Innovating the Blue
Economy—China Marine Economy Expo ...............................................................................209
IV. High-Level Forums for All—China (Shenzhen) International Marine Industry Fair .210
V. Technological Management of the Ocean·Innovation Realizes Dreams—China
International Marine Technology Exhibition..........................................................................212
VI. Navigating China's Marine Undertakings—Guangzhou International Maritime
Exhibition.................................................................................................................................... 212
VII. Fading Vessels into the Azure Sky, Only the Pujiang River Flows to the Horizon—
Shanghai International Yacht Show.........................................................................................213
Section 2 Exhibition Events in Other Countries............................................................................. 214
I. Hamburg International Maritime Exhibition......................................................................214
II. Cherish Marine Animals, Protect Marine Environment—Marine Waste Art Exhibition215
III. India International Maritime Exhibition..........................................................................216
Section 3 Prospects for the Development of Marine MICE Tourism........................................... 217
Chapter 10 The Industrialization of Marine Tourism Resources.........................................................218
Section 1 Necessity of Developing Marine Tourism Resources..................................................... 218
I. Developing Marine Tourism Resources to Defend Blue Maritime Territories................218
II. Developing the Marine Tourism Industry to Fulfill Blue Economic Dreams.................218
III. Advancing Marine Tourism to Build a Palace of Marine Culture .................................219
Section 2 Issues in Tourism Resource Development.......................................................................219
I. Concentration of Marine Tourism Resource Development in Economically Developed
Regions.........................................................................................................................................219
II. Lack of Overall Planning in Marine Tourism Attraction Development.........................220
III. Low Development Standards and Lagging Supporting Tourism Facilities.................. 220
Section 3 Channels for Industrialization of Marine Tourism Resources..................................... 221
I. Integrating Tourism Industry Clusters and Planning New Regional Tourism............... 221
II. Promoting the Industrialization of Marine Tourism for Sustainable Development......222
III. Specific Industrialization Measures...................................................................................222
VI. Summary ...............................................................................................................................225
Chapter 11 Building Marine Cultural Brands........................................................................................ 226
Section 1 Concept of Brand............................................................................................................... 226
Section 2 Cultural Branding through Holistic Tourism Systems..................................................226
I. Vast Scope of Marine Culture, Global Value Impact......................................................... 227
II. Exhibition Halls Themed on the Ocean: Gradual Emergence of Brand Culture .......... 230
III. Themed Marine Culture Festivals: Anticipating Brand Development..........................230
IV. Fresh Seafood Along the Coast: Consolidating Marine Educational Culture .............. 231
V. China's Marine Cities: Global Marine Cities.....................................................................231
VI. Widely Spread Film and Television Works: In-Depth Infiltration of Brand Culture . 233
VII. Real Estate Developers Riding the Wave: Bringing Sea Views to Inland Areas.........233
Section 3 Current Status of Marine Tourism Cultural Brand Creation......................................234
I. Weak Marine Consciousness and Lack of Recognition of Marine Tourism Brand
Importance .................................................................................................................................. 234
II. Inaccurate Brand Positioning Leading to Featureless Themes........................................234
III. Weak Brand Protection Awareness Causing Preemptive Registration.........................234
IV. Shortage of High-End Professionals and Unprofessional Brand Management............ 235
V. Incomplete Infrastructure for Brand Construction.......................................................... 235
Section 4 Strategies for Building and Developing Marine Cultural Brands................................235
I. Accurate Brand Theme Positioning, Closely Aligned with Local Tourism Characteristics235
II. Strengthening Brand Consciousness and Implementing Brand Strategies.................... 237
III. Optimizing Industrial Structure and Integrating Tourism Resources..........................237
IV.Branding Marine Culture and Professionalizing Brand Management...........................238
Chapter 12 Investment and Financing in the Marine Tourism Industry .............................................239
Section 1 Conceptual Framework.....................................................................................................239
Section 2 Current Landscape of Tourism Industry Investment and Financing ..........................239
Section 3 Analysis of Investment and Financing in China's Marine Tourism Industry ............ 243
Section 4 Distinctive Features of Marine Tourism Investment and Financing ........................... 246
Section 5 Challenges in Marine Tourism Investment and Financing ...........................................250
Section 6 Strategic Pathways for Addressing Investment and Financing Issues.........................252
Chapter 13 Talent Development in the Marine Tourism Industry .......................................................256
Section 1 Classification of Marine Tourism Talents.......................................................................256
I. Seasoned Tour Guides Take the Stage — Marine Tourism Sets Sail............................... 256
II. Sustaining the Tourism Industry: Planning Talents Are Indispensable .........................257
III. Expanding Tourism Business: Market Talents Need Cultivation..................................257
IV. MICE Tourism Gathers Talents, Marine Culture Displays Brands..............................258
V. Creative Marine Tourism Abounds: Derivative Products Are Essential........................258
VI. Tourism Marketing Talents Converge: Promoting the Ocean Drives the Economy ... 259
VII. Technological Development Strengthens Tourism: E-Commerce Platforms Assemble
Talents..........................................................................................................................................259
VIII. Tourism Services Require Skills, Tourism Research Needs Guidance .......................260
Section 2 Significance of Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents.....................................................260
I. Marine Tourism Talents: Key Factor Determining Industry Development.................... 261
II. Cultivating Talents: Effective Approach to Meet the Demands of Marine Tourism
Market......................................................................................................................................... 261
III. Tourism Talents: Key Factor Determining Market Expansion..................................... 262
Section 3 Objectives for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents......................................................262
I. Professional Training in Specialized Institutions: Precise Cultivation Goals..................262
II. School-Enterprise Collaboration: Integrating Theory and Practice ...............................263
III. Talent Quality as Priority: Ensuring Quantity with Quality Assurance .......................263
Section 4 Principles for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents...................................................... 264
I. Theory-First Foundation, Practice-Oriented Development...............................................264
II. Market Demand as Guidance, Talent Cultivation as Core ...............................................264
III. Upholding Innovation for Development: Planning and Cultivating Talents................ 265
Section 5 Methods for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents.........................................................265
I. Integration of Government, Enterprise, and Academia: Professionalization as the
Decisive Strategy .........................................................................................................................265
II. Flexible Models for Flexible Mastery: Innovative Talent Cultivation............................ 266
III. Integrating Marine Technology into Development: Professional Talents Occupying
Platforms..................................................................................................................................... 267
IV. Implementing Plans as a Priority: Strict Quality Control Alongside Quantity
Management................................................................................................................................267
Chapter 14 Development of Tourism Resources Along the Maritime Silk Road................................269
Section 1 Definition and Historical Evolution of the Maritime Silk Road................................... 269
I. Definition ..................................................................................................................................269
II. Historical Development.........................................................................................................270
Section 2 Characteristics and Strategic Advantages of the Maritime Silk Road........................ 274
I. Tourism Resource Exploration Along the Maritime Silk Road........................................ 274
II. Government Support Mechanisms for Marine Tourism Growth....................................279
III. International Collaboration for Shared Prosperity ......................................................... 280
IV.Theoretical Frameworks Driving Development: A New Vision for the Silk Road........282
V. China's Outbound Tourism: Massive Numbers Boosting the Economy .........................282
Section 3 Interpretation of the Relationship Between Marine Tourism and the" Belt and Road
Initiative".............................................................................................................................................283
Section 4 Specific Measures for Opening Up Maritime Silk Road Tourism Belts......................284
I. Maritime Silk Road Planning: ASEAN-China Win-Win Cooperation............................ 284
II. Coastal Travel Cooperatives: Rest Points Along the Silk Road.......................................284
III. Comprehensive Hub Cities: From Concentration to Radiation.....................................285
IV. Grasping Tourism Veins: Strict Regulation of Tourist Routes...................................... 285
V. Global Chinese Engagement: Facilitating Tourism Through Communication..............286
VI. Innovative Land-sea Integration: Initial Experiences in Marine Tourism ................... 287
VII. Cruise Tourism on Silk Road Routes: Boutique Tours of Marine Culture .................288
VIII. Countries Opening Convenient Channels: Shared Development and Multiple Benefits288
IX. Strengthening the Travel Environment: Prioritizing Physical and Mental Pleasure .. 289
X. Researching Countries Along the Route: Mutual Understanding and Harmony ..........289
XI. Pre-Emptive Assessment to Safeguard the Silk Road and Avoid Risks........................ 290
Section 5 Specific Development of Tourism Resources Along the Route ..................................... 290
I. Guangxi's Beauty and ASEAN Friendship: Strong Collaboration for Development..... 291
II. Marine Tourism in West Asia: Cultural Depths of Pilgrimage Sites.............................. 291
III. Diverse Climates and Long Coastlines: Vast Development Potential in Tourism
Regions.........................................................................................................................................292
IV. Maritime Silk Road in North Africa: Scattered Islands Awaiting Tourists..................292
V. Romantic European Journey: Immersion in Marine Culture ..........................................292
References....................................................................................................................................................294
Section 1 Tourism: The Sunrise Industry ............................................................................................1
I. Ancient Chinese Tourism Philosophy and Activities.............................................................. 2
II. Tourism Today.......................................................................................................................... 6
III. Aesthetics in Tourism Experiences........................................................................................ 7
Section 2 Classification of Tourism Resources....................................................................................8
I. Traditional Tourism Resource Classification Criteria ........................................................... 8
II. Classification of Marine Leisure Tourism Resources......................................................... 10
III. Principles for Developing Marine Leisure Tourism Resources........................................15
Section 3 Prospects for the Development of Marine Tourism......................................................... 21
Chapter 2 Coastal Tourism ......................................................................................................................... 23
Section 1 Composition of the Coast.................................................................................................... 23
I. Bedrock Coasts..........................................................................................................................23
II. Plains Coast..............................................................................................................................24
III. Biogenic Coasts...................................................................................................................... 25
Section 2 Coastal Vacations.................................................................................................................27
I. Pleasant Climate—Seaside as a Summer Tourist Resort.....................................................27
II. Most Resorts and Sanatoriums are Located Along the Coast............................................28
Section 3 Seaside as an Excellent Viewing Platform.........................................................................30
I. The Beauty of the Ocean.......................................................................................................... 30
II. The Magnificence of Mountains and Rocks......................................................................... 33
Section 4 Beaches and Bathing Resorts..............................................................................................37
I. Beach Colors as Unique Tourism Resources......................................................................... 37
II. Beach Bathing Resorts as Summer Retreats for Tourists.................................................. 42
Section 5 Colored Oceans.................................................................................................................... 43
I. Yellow Sea ..................................................................................................................................43
II. Red Sea ..................................................................................................................................... 43
III. Black Sea .................................................................................................................................44
IV.White Sea ................................................................................................................................. 45
V. Green Sea ..................................................................................................................................45
Section 6 Other Tourist Attractions................................................................................................... 46
I. First Bridge of the East China Sea ..........................................................................................46
II. Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, Fujian.................................................................................. 47
III. Submarine Tunnels................................................................................................................48
IV. Tidal Power Stations..............................................................................................................49
V. Tidal Protection Dykes............................................................................................................49
VI. Ports.........................................................................................................................................50
VII. Historic Streets......................................................................................................................51
Section 7 Prospects for Coastal Tourism Development....................................................................52
Chapter 3 Island Tourism............................................................................................................................54
Section 1 Classification and Resource Advantages of Islands......................................................... 54
I. Classification of Islands in China ............................................................................................54
II. Well-Developed Tourist Islands in China .............................................................................55
III. Advantages of Island Tourism ............................................................................................. 55
IV. Characteristics of Island Tourism ........................................................................................58
Section 2 Diverse Island Landforms...................................................................................................58
I. Continental Islands................................................................................................................... 59
II. Coral Islands............................................................................................................................60
III. Volcanic Islands..................................................................................................................... 61
IV. Alluvial Islands.......................................................................................................................62
V. Tombolo Islands.......................................................................................................................63
Section 3 Diverse Natural Landscapes............................................................................................... 63
I. Small Islands Formed by Shell and Sand Deposits............................................................... 63
II. Islands with Exceptionally-Developed Marine Erosion Landforms..................................64
III. Liugong Island with the "Museum of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895"............... 65
IV. Tianheng Island, Where 500 Warriors Sacrificed Themselves.........................................66
V."Buddhist Kingdom of Sea and Sky"—Mount Putuo ..........................................................66
VI. Ancient Glacial Remains....................................................................................................... 66
VII. The Wonder of the Natural Skybridge .............................................................................. 69
VIII. Huadu Island....................................................................................................................... 69
IX. Islands with Unique Geomorphic Shapes............................................................................70
X. Lush Taohua Island (Peach Blossom Island)....................................................................... 72
XI. Island of Camellias Japonica ................................................................................................ 73
XII. Dazhou Island (Yanwo Island)............................................................................................74
Section 4 Prospects for Island Tourism ..............................................................................................74
Chapter 4 Marine Folk Tourism .................................................................................................................75
Section 1 Coastal Regions Unite in Sea Worship Rituals.................................................................75
I. Dalian Fisherman's Festival: A Comprehensive Gala of Marine Culture ......................... 75
II. Tianjin Sea Opening Festival: Hundreds of Boats Ready to Set Sail, Sharing a Feast... 76
III. Qingdao Sea Worship Ceremony: Enhancing Tourism Culture ......................................77
IV. Huangsha Port Fishing Festival: Praying for Blessings by Worshiping the Sea ............ 79
V. Xiangshan Fishing Moratorium Sea Worship: Giving Thanks to the Ocean...................80
VI. Guangzhou's Long-Standing Sea Worship: The Majestic Nanhai Temple .....................80
VII. Sanya "Dragon Raising Head" Sea Worship: Promoting Marine Culture ...................81
VIII. Dongxing's Ritual Celebration for the Sea God: the Kinh People's "Ha" Festival
(Singing Festival) by the Sea ....................................................................................................... 82
Section 2 Rural Seaside Banquets: Endless Joy of Marine Folklore .............................................. 83
I. Qingdao Rural Seaside Banquets: Showcasing Local Charms Across Bays and Routes. 83
II. Zhoushan Fisherman's Banquets: Experiencing Fishermen's Lives.................................84
Section 3 Mazu Culture Through the Ages: Eternal Marine Spirit................................................85
I. Mazu Thousand-Person Peace Banquet: Mazu Sentiments in Cuisine .............................. 86
II. Mazu Culture Forum: Boosting Marine Culture Dissemination.......................................86
III. Numerous Mazu Temples Nationwide: Perpetuating the Marine Spirit.........................87
IV. Mazu Culture Tourism Festival: Building a New Marine Brand.....................................90
V. Upholding the Mazu Spirit: Innovating the Maritime Silk Road...................................... 91
Section 4 Marine Sculptures: Eternal Symbols of Marine Civilization..........................................91
I. Maritime Themed Sculptures: Blessing Marine Safety........................................................91
II. Exploring Underwater Sculptures: Witnessing Submarine Wonders.............................. 93
Section 5 Prospects for Marine Folk Tourism Development...........................................................94
Chapter 5 Marine Cultural Tourism ..........................................................................................................95
Section 1 Tower of Civilization Guiding the Way—Marine Lighthouses......................................95
I. Famous Lighthouses Along China's Coast.............................................................................95
II. Renowned Lighthouses in Other Countries....................................................................... 104
Section 2 Marine Drama—A Chapter in the Epic of Marine Civilization...................................113
Section 3 Marine Literature—Written Records Promoting the Development of Marine Culture114
Section 4 Marine Film and Television—Effective Channel for Boosting Marine Tourism ....... 116
I. Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Seas...............................................................................116
II. The Descendants of the Sun .................................................................................................. 116
Section 5 China Marine Culture Festival—Comprehensive Gala of the Marine Community .. 117
Section 6 Marine Painting—A Vivid Dialogue with the Ocean.....................................................118
I. Marine Paintings Emerging from the Sea: Rarity Makes a Treasure .............................. 118
II. The Magnificent Ocean as a Living Painting: Marine Art Schools Enhancing National
Prestige ........................................................................................................................................ 119
Section 7 Marine Embroidery—Stitching a Blueprint Thread by Thread..................................120
Chapter 6 Marine Aquarium and Museum Tourism............................................................................. 121
Section 1 A Journey Through the Wonders of Indoor Marine Creations—Marine Aquariums121
I. Classifications by Function.................................................................................................... 121
II. Classification by Construction Purpose of Aquariums.....................................................134
Section 2 Introduction to Famous Aquariums at Home and Abroad...........................................136
I. Famous Aquariums in China .................................................................................................136
II. Introduction to Aquariums in Other Countries.................................................................140
Section 3 Development Prospects of Marine Aquariums and Museums......................................147
Chapter 7 Cruise Tourism .........................................................................................................................148
Section 1 Cruise Tourism ...................................................................................................................148
I. Concept of Cruise Ships......................................................................................................... 148
II. Concept of Cruise Tourism .................................................................................................. 148
Section 2 Development History of Cruise Tourism .........................................................................149
I. Development of Overseas Cruise Tourism ...........................................................................149
II. Development of Cruise Tourism in China ..........................................................................150
Section 3 World Cruise Lines............................................................................................................151
Section 4 Featured Cities for Cruise Tourism in China .................................................................173
I. Qingdao .................................................................................................................................... 173
II. Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center & Wusongkou Cruise Terminal 174
III. Xiamen International Cruise Center .................................................................................175
IV. Sanya Phoenix Island Cruise Terminal............................................................................. 175
V. Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal.......................................................................176
VI. Dalian.................................................................................................................................... 176
Section 5 Introduction to Large Cruise Ships in China ................................................................. 176
I. MS Henna Cruise ....................................................................................................................176
II. Zhonghua Tai Shan Cruise .................................................................................................. 177
Section 6 Prospects for the Development of Cruise Tourism ........................................................ 178
Chapter 8 Diving Tourism .........................................................................................................................179
Section 1 Overview of Diving Tourism .............................................................................................179
I. Concept of Diving Tourism ....................................................................................................179
II. The Rise of Diving Tourism in China ................................................................................. 179
III. Classification of Diving Tourism ........................................................................................180
Section 2 Introduction to Diving Tourism Scenic Areas in China ................................................ 181
I. Diving Tourism in Sanya, Hainan.........................................................................................181
II. Diving Expands to Guangzhou: Diverse Scenery Across Regions—Guangdong Diving
Tourism ........................................................................................................................................185
III. Thousands of Islands Scattered Like Stars: Roaming Diving in Zhejiang's Thousand
Island Lake ..................................................................................................................................193
IV. A Fairyland on Earth for Blissful Diving—Changdao, Shandong ................................. 194
V. Northern China's Premier Diving Destination—Dalian Haishijie Diving Base ............. 195
Section 3 World-Class Diving Sanctuaries Beyond Borders......................................................... 195
I. Thailand ................................................................................................................................... 195
II. Malaysia ..................................................................................................................................197
III. Indonesia ...............................................................................................................................201
IV. Australia ................................................................................................................................203
V. Egypt....................................................................................................................................... 204
VI. Palau...................................................................................................................................... 204
VII. Costa Rica ............................................................................................................................205
VIII. Belize .................................................................................................................................. 206
Section 4 Prospects for the Development of Diving Tourism ........................................................ 207
Chapter 9 Marine MICE Tourism ............................................................................................................208
Section 1 Domestic Marine-Related Exhibitions.............................................................................208
I. Barometer of Marine Tourism Development—Recreational Fishing, Leisure Fishing
Villages and Marine Entertainment Industry Expo ............................................................... 208
II. Based in Hainan, Radiating Across China, Influencing the World—Hainan
International Marine Tourism Expo ........................................................................................208
III. Scientific Development of Marine Resources, Building Dreams and Innovating the Blue
Economy—China Marine Economy Expo ...............................................................................209
IV. High-Level Forums for All—China (Shenzhen) International Marine Industry Fair .210
V. Technological Management of the Ocean·Innovation Realizes Dreams—China
International Marine Technology Exhibition..........................................................................212
VI. Navigating China's Marine Undertakings—Guangzhou International Maritime
Exhibition.................................................................................................................................... 212
VII. Fading Vessels into the Azure Sky, Only the Pujiang River Flows to the Horizon—
Shanghai International Yacht Show.........................................................................................213
Section 2 Exhibition Events in Other Countries............................................................................. 214
I. Hamburg International Maritime Exhibition......................................................................214
II. Cherish Marine Animals, Protect Marine Environment—Marine Waste Art Exhibition215
III. India International Maritime Exhibition..........................................................................216
Section 3 Prospects for the Development of Marine MICE Tourism........................................... 217
Chapter 10 The Industrialization of Marine Tourism Resources.........................................................218
Section 1 Necessity of Developing Marine Tourism Resources..................................................... 218
I. Developing Marine Tourism Resources to Defend Blue Maritime Territories................218
II. Developing the Marine Tourism Industry to Fulfill Blue Economic Dreams.................218
III. Advancing Marine Tourism to Build a Palace of Marine Culture .................................219
Section 2 Issues in Tourism Resource Development.......................................................................219
I. Concentration of Marine Tourism Resource Development in Economically Developed
Regions.........................................................................................................................................219
II. Lack of Overall Planning in Marine Tourism Attraction Development.........................220
III. Low Development Standards and Lagging Supporting Tourism Facilities.................. 220
Section 3 Channels for Industrialization of Marine Tourism Resources..................................... 221
I. Integrating Tourism Industry Clusters and Planning New Regional Tourism............... 221
II. Promoting the Industrialization of Marine Tourism for Sustainable Development......222
III. Specific Industrialization Measures...................................................................................222
VI. Summary ...............................................................................................................................225
Chapter 11 Building Marine Cultural Brands........................................................................................ 226
Section 1 Concept of Brand............................................................................................................... 226
Section 2 Cultural Branding through Holistic Tourism Systems..................................................226
I. Vast Scope of Marine Culture, Global Value Impact......................................................... 227
II. Exhibition Halls Themed on the Ocean: Gradual Emergence of Brand Culture .......... 230
III. Themed Marine Culture Festivals: Anticipating Brand Development..........................230
IV. Fresh Seafood Along the Coast: Consolidating Marine Educational Culture .............. 231
V. China's Marine Cities: Global Marine Cities.....................................................................231
VI. Widely Spread Film and Television Works: In-Depth Infiltration of Brand Culture . 233
VII. Real Estate Developers Riding the Wave: Bringing Sea Views to Inland Areas.........233
Section 3 Current Status of Marine Tourism Cultural Brand Creation......................................234
I. Weak Marine Consciousness and Lack of Recognition of Marine Tourism Brand
Importance .................................................................................................................................. 234
II. Inaccurate Brand Positioning Leading to Featureless Themes........................................234
III. Weak Brand Protection Awareness Causing Preemptive Registration.........................234
IV. Shortage of High-End Professionals and Unprofessional Brand Management............ 235
V. Incomplete Infrastructure for Brand Construction.......................................................... 235
Section 4 Strategies for Building and Developing Marine Cultural Brands................................235
I. Accurate Brand Theme Positioning, Closely Aligned with Local Tourism Characteristics235
II. Strengthening Brand Consciousness and Implementing Brand Strategies.................... 237
III. Optimizing Industrial Structure and Integrating Tourism Resources..........................237
IV.Branding Marine Culture and Professionalizing Brand Management...........................238
Chapter 12 Investment and Financing in the Marine Tourism Industry .............................................239
Section 1 Conceptual Framework.....................................................................................................239
Section 2 Current Landscape of Tourism Industry Investment and Financing ..........................239
Section 3 Analysis of Investment and Financing in China's Marine Tourism Industry ............ 243
Section 4 Distinctive Features of Marine Tourism Investment and Financing ........................... 246
Section 5 Challenges in Marine Tourism Investment and Financing ...........................................250
Section 6 Strategic Pathways for Addressing Investment and Financing Issues.........................252
Chapter 13 Talent Development in the Marine Tourism Industry .......................................................256
Section 1 Classification of Marine Tourism Talents.......................................................................256
I. Seasoned Tour Guides Take the Stage — Marine Tourism Sets Sail............................... 256
II. Sustaining the Tourism Industry: Planning Talents Are Indispensable .........................257
III. Expanding Tourism Business: Market Talents Need Cultivation..................................257
IV. MICE Tourism Gathers Talents, Marine Culture Displays Brands..............................258
V. Creative Marine Tourism Abounds: Derivative Products Are Essential........................258
VI. Tourism Marketing Talents Converge: Promoting the Ocean Drives the Economy ... 259
VII. Technological Development Strengthens Tourism: E-Commerce Platforms Assemble
Talents..........................................................................................................................................259
VIII. Tourism Services Require Skills, Tourism Research Needs Guidance .......................260
Section 2 Significance of Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents.....................................................260
I. Marine Tourism Talents: Key Factor Determining Industry Development.................... 261
II. Cultivating Talents: Effective Approach to Meet the Demands of Marine Tourism
Market......................................................................................................................................... 261
III. Tourism Talents: Key Factor Determining Market Expansion..................................... 262
Section 3 Objectives for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents......................................................262
I. Professional Training in Specialized Institutions: Precise Cultivation Goals..................262
II. School-Enterprise Collaboration: Integrating Theory and Practice ...............................263
III. Talent Quality as Priority: Ensuring Quantity with Quality Assurance .......................263
Section 4 Principles for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents...................................................... 264
I. Theory-First Foundation, Practice-Oriented Development...............................................264
II. Market Demand as Guidance, Talent Cultivation as Core ...............................................264
III. Upholding Innovation for Development: Planning and Cultivating Talents................ 265
Section 5 Methods for Cultivating Marine Tourism Talents.........................................................265
I. Integration of Government, Enterprise, and Academia: Professionalization as the
Decisive Strategy .........................................................................................................................265
II. Flexible Models for Flexible Mastery: Innovative Talent Cultivation............................ 266
III. Integrating Marine Technology into Development: Professional Talents Occupying
Platforms..................................................................................................................................... 267
IV. Implementing Plans as a Priority: Strict Quality Control Alongside Quantity
Management................................................................................................................................267
Chapter 14 Development of Tourism Resources Along the Maritime Silk Road................................269
Section 1 Definition and Historical Evolution of the Maritime Silk Road................................... 269
I. Definition ..................................................................................................................................269
II. Historical Development.........................................................................................................270
Section 2 Characteristics and Strategic Advantages of the Maritime Silk Road........................ 274
I. Tourism Resource Exploration Along the Maritime Silk Road........................................ 274
II. Government Support Mechanisms for Marine Tourism Growth....................................279
III. International Collaboration for Shared Prosperity ......................................................... 280
IV.Theoretical Frameworks Driving Development: A New Vision for the Silk Road........282
V. China's Outbound Tourism: Massive Numbers Boosting the Economy .........................282
Section 3 Interpretation of the Relationship Between Marine Tourism and the" Belt and Road
Initiative".............................................................................................................................................283
Section 4 Specific Measures for Opening Up Maritime Silk Road Tourism Belts......................284
I. Maritime Silk Road Planning: ASEAN-China Win-Win Cooperation............................ 284
II. Coastal Travel Cooperatives: Rest Points Along the Silk Road.......................................284
III. Comprehensive Hub Cities: From Concentration to Radiation.....................................285
IV. Grasping Tourism Veins: Strict Regulation of Tourist Routes...................................... 285
V. Global Chinese Engagement: Facilitating Tourism Through Communication..............286
VI. Innovative Land-sea Integration: Initial Experiences in Marine Tourism ................... 287
VII. Cruise Tourism on Silk Road Routes: Boutique Tours of Marine Culture .................288
VIII. Countries Opening Convenient Channels: Shared Development and Multiple Benefits288
IX. Strengthening the Travel Environment: Prioritizing Physical and Mental Pleasure .. 289
X. Researching Countries Along the Route: Mutual Understanding and Harmony ..........289
XI. Pre-Emptive Assessment to Safeguard the Silk Road and Avoid Risks........................ 290
Section 5 Specific Development of Tourism Resources Along the Route ..................................... 290
I. Guangxi's Beauty and ASEAN Friendship: Strong Collaboration for Development..... 291
II. Marine Tourism in West Asia: Cultural Depths of Pilgrimage Sites.............................. 291
III. Diverse Climates and Long Coastlines: Vast Development Potential in Tourism
Regions.........................................................................................................................................292
IV. Maritime Silk Road in North Africa: Scattered Islands Awaiting Tourists..................292
V. Romantic European Journey: Immersion in Marine Culture ..........................................292
References....................................................................................................................................................294
Zhang Juan, Ph.D. in Literature, specializing in British&American literature and ecocriticism, is a lecturer at School of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang Ocean University. Her academic work integrates translation, English teaching, and project leadership. She has contributed to national-level initiatives such as the National Social Science Fund project and led the 2024 Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Sciences General Project. Her publications include a monograph on environmental literature and peer-reviewed articles in journals including Contemporary Foreign Literature and Qilu Journal, advancing discourse in literary criticism.