Discursive Construction of Traditional Culture of Southwest China in Modern Overseas Travelogues — Take <i>The Land of the Dragon</i> as an Example

There is a wealth of travelogues about southwest China left by overseas visitors since 1840. These travelogues record the traditional cultural imprints of the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, including landscapes, architecture, economic development, and social customs. Taking The Land of the Dragon as a representative overseas travelogue, this study aims to investigate the discursive construction of traditional culture in southwest China, particularly along the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The findings show that the traditional culture in southwest China occupies a unique place in the history of traditional Chinese culture, characterized by rich ethnic characteristics as well as cultural depth and breadth. Overseas travelogues often reflect certain fixed impressions and partial understandings of traditional Chinese culture. This study has both theoretical and practical implications. It first demonstrates the applicability of critical discourse analysis to overseas travelogues about China and enriches methodological approaches through a content analysis of The Land of the Dragon. Second, this study helps to make a better understanding of Chinese traditional culture and enhance the readers' critical reading awareness, call on people to protect nature and traditional culture, and utilize them rationally so as to promote the sustainable development of material culture and spiritual culture.