Research Seminar Delivered by Dr Junxi Qian
On 31 March 2025, Dr Junxi Qian, an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at The University of Hong Kong, delivered an enlightening seminar on "The Rural Renaissance and Reconstruction Movement in China: The Nexus of Culture, Economy, and Social Revival." The event, chaired by Prof. Mimi Li, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), attracted faculty members and students from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and members of the RCDTT, sparking engaging discussions on the transformative initiatives reshaping China's rural landscapes.
Dr Qian, a renowned urban, social, and cultural geographer, shared his extensive research on cultural economic geographies and rural revitalization efforts in regions such as the Pearl River Delta, Yunnan, and Tibet. His work, recognized with the prestigious Gill Memorial Award in 2022 from the Royal Geographical Society - Institute of British Geographers, explores the intersection of geography, urban studies, and cultural studies.
During the seminar, Dr Qian examined how diverse actors, including grassroots communities, corporate interests, NGOs, and the state, redefine the countryside as a vibrant resource for cultural and economic activation. He presented a series of case studies highlighting initiatives that utilize architectural materiality, rural arts, and heritage preservation to foster local cultural identity and generate social and cultural value.
This seminar follows a recent presentation by Prof. Scott McCabe from the University of Birmingham, who discussed "Social Tourism: Enhancing Participation and Well-being." Prof. McCabe's seminar, chaired by Prof. Haiyan Song, Director of the RCDTT, examined the inclusion of disadvantaged individuals in tourism through socially oriented measures. His interdisciplinary research has significantly influenced policy on social tourism in the UK and internationally.
Both seminars underscore the RCDTT's commitment to advancing academic understanding and offering practical implications for policymakers and stakeholders in the tourism and cultural sectors. Attendees left with valuable insights into enhancing participation and well-being in diverse communities, as well as reflecting on the future of social tourism and rural revitalization.