Evaluation of AI, communication, and social behavior in ancient Chinese villages: A systematic review of tourism's role in resident adaptation

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) affects communication practices and social adaptation among residents in ancient Chinese villages, particularly through its role in tourism development and cultural heritage preservation. It seeks to understand the dual impact of AI as a driver of rural transformation and a disruptor of cultural continuity. A systematic literature review was conducted using five academic databases: JSTOR, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest. Studies published between 2021 and 2024 were selected based on strict inclusion criteria focusing on rural tourism in China, AI technologies, and resident adaptation. Boolean logic was applied to combine keywords and refine search precision. AI supports tourism through smart management platforms, virtual reality heritage tours, and intelligent visitor services. These technologies enhance cultural engagement and economic development. Translation tools improve communication between locals and tourists, while AI-based hospitality systems strengthen rural infrastructure. However, findings also reveal that older residents struggle to adapt to AI, and overuse of AI marketing risks cultural commodification. Traditional storytelling practices shift due to generational differences in AI use. AI serves as a powerful force for rural economic and cultural advancement, but it also introduces risks of community disconnection and cultural erosion. Sustainable integration of AI requires balancing innovation with preservation of traditional values. The study recommends inclusive AI education programs, ethical frameworks for AI deployment, and culturally sensitive tourism governance policies. Efforts should focus on protecting intangible heritage while enabling digital growth. This study is original in its specific focus on the intersection of AI, tourism, and social adaptation in ancient Chinese villages a topic largely underrepresented in current literature. It addresses the gap in understanding rural responses to digital transformation. Academic contributions include theoretical insights on AI-driven cultural adaptation. Practically and politically, the research informs policymakers, tourism planners, and technology developers working at the intersection of heritage and innovation.