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The rapid acceleration of urbanization in China has led to the emergence of numerous large cities characterized by dense populations and limited per capita resources, significantly influencing the tourism dynamics in surrounding regions. As Metropolitan Fringe Areas increasingly serve as popular short-term travel destinations, the adjacent villages confront unprecedented developmental opportunities and challenges. Many of these villages remain tethered to traditional production modes, while the influx of urban capital and populations catalyzes rural development, revealing a pronounced dichotomy within these Metropolitan Fringe Areas. The penetration of tourism consumption culture has precipitated spatial alienation, manifesting through phenomena such as village relocations and population displacement (Jing He et al., 2022). If the natural, historical, and cultural environment cannot be protected, there can be no expectations for sustainability in destination areas. (Khizar et al., 2023). To mitigate both positive and negative impacts on residents' quality of life (QOL) arising from unsustainable over-tourism, it is essential to implement effective control measures (Tanja Mihalic et al., 2022).
As a model of sustainable tourism development, alternative tourism underscores the need for harmonious coexistence between tourism initiatives and rural communities, founded on ecological protection and cultural respect. This study examines the Paifang community in Jiangning District, Nanjing, to investigate ecological landscape assessment and strategic tourism planning within the context of a sustainable tourism framework in Metropolitan Fringe Areas. A localized analysis of existing ecological and cultural resources is imperative for effective implementation of alternative tourism. Scientific delineation of landscape ecological units serves as a fundamental prerequisite for regional research and environmental development. Given their integral relationship between human activities and natural ecosystems, villages have emerged as focal points for ecological conservation and sustainable development research. Utilizing clustering algorithms, cellular automata, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, this research delineates the landscape ecological units of the Paifang community and assesses ecological sensitivity to identify regions with distinct ecological characteristics and tourism potential. An innovative classification approach enhances evaluation accuracy by distinguishing similar ecological types.
Case studies, such as Huanglongxian, illustrate that sustained rural tourism development—over five years—has prioritized local cultural excavation and active public participation. Through a combination of technical research, field surveys, and in-depth interviews, this study analyzes the needs and expectations of both residents and tourists, proposing targeted tourism planning strategies. These strategies aim to construct a tourism model that accommodates diverse visitor experiences while promoting local economic development, ecological conservation, and cultural preservation. Key strategies include the establishment of ecological protection zones, tourism product development, community participation mechanisms, and a sustainable development assessment system—providing practical guidance for promoting sustainability in Metropolitan Fringe Areas.
The findings highlight that successful tourism-oriented villages must develop in alignment with their unique characteristics, which is reflected in architectural styles, cultural activities, and local products, thereby enhancing their overall branding and positioning. A robust branding strategy contributes to increased attractiveness and enriched visitor experiences while fostering residents' cultural identity and pride. Exemplified by local cultures such as tea in Huanglongxian and historical architecture in She Village, community participation emerges as a pivotal element in sustainable village development. By enacting policies that encourage local residents to engage in planning, management, and operational processes, the needs and aspirations of the community can be adequately addressed, thus enhancing residents’ sense of belonging and satisfaction. This active participation is vital for the preservation of rural cultural heritage, fostering social harmony, and mitigating potential conflicts arising from tourism development and rural gentrification.
| Keywords | Urban suburbs; Landscape ecological units; Sustainable rural tourism; Machine learning |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
