Tànxiǎn lǚyóu: Progress and prospects for adventure tourism research in China

Since the concept of adventure tourism was introduced to China, it has attracted widespread attention from academia, guiding the development of the sector in the country. However, much like earlier adoption of Shengtai Luyou/Ecotourism, this particular analogue has also been developed with Chinese characteristics. Based on the adventure tourism research literature published in China from 1994 to 2024, this paper employs a systematic review method to organize and summarize six identified aspects of its interpretation: the basic theory of adventure tourism; adventure tourism resources; adventure tourism development; adventure tourism market; adventure tourism safety; and the role and impact of adventure tourism. We found that Chinese adventure tourism research reflects its use as a state-led regional development tool, is primarily safety-driven, and has yet to engage with wellbeing frameworks present in the West.