Research on the Problems and Countermeasures of Ecotourism Development in Bijia Mountain, Qingyuan: An Empirical Analysis Based on Online Comments and Policy Texts

Abstract

As a key ecological barrier in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Qingyuan’s Bijia Mountain, designated a "National Ecotourism Demonstration Zone" in 2023, struggles to balance ecological protection and tourism development. This study integrates online comment analysis, policy text interpretation, and ecological data assessment to identify core issues. Mining 2020–2025 online comments reveals tourist complaints about high ticket prices, outdated facilities, and poor service quality. Policy analysis highlights shortcomings in policy tool implementation, particularly in ecological compensation fund management and community participation mechanisms. The ecological pressure index model identifies rafting areas and viewing platforms as ecologically fragile hotspots due to overcrowding and aging facilities.

Countermeasures include optimizing policy tools (e.g., ecotourism negative lists, ecological deposits, and bonds), innovating digital management (IoT-based monitoring, AR tour guides), and strengthening cultural empowerment (Yao embroidery pattern databases, intangible cultural heritage workshops to boost community involvement).

This study proposes a "policy-technology-community" collaborative framework with dual tools (ecological deposit and AR systems), responding to UNWTO’s "Technology Empowering Sustainable Tourism" initiative. It offers actionable strategies for Bijia Mountain and references for similar areas, aiming to balance ecology and economy, enhance satisfaction, and synergize ecotourism with rural revitalization.