Ecotourism at High Altitudes: A Comparative Study of Yuzhu Peak and Muztagh Ata in Community Governance, Economic Growth, and Environmental Sustainability

Yifan Liu

doi:10.54097/56z22r39

Authors

Yifan Liu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/56z22r39

Keywords:

Alpine ecotourism, Community governance, Sustainable tourism, Environmental policy, Comparative case study.

Abstract

This study focuses on three dimensions of ecology, economics, and community to compare two representative alpine tourism destinations in China, discussing the effects of ecotourism in promoting green transformation and environmental community co-governance at high altitudes. The study adopts the case study approach to assess tourist volume, income, environmental governance, and community participation using secondary data. Findings suggest that Muztagh Ata has relied on institutional policies and market mechanisms to implement a community-driven tourism framework. Though still in an early stage, Yuzhu Peak demonstrates growth potential and value in exploring community-level governance. This research shows that ecotourism may offer a pathway to achieve both ecological conservation and economic empowerment. However, its sustainability relies on a combination of strong institutional designs, community mobilization, and policy alignment. This paper serves as both theoretical reference and empirical evidence to institutional innovation and cross-regional collaboration in alpine ecotourism.

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