The Convergence or Divergence of Pilgrimage and Tourism in Modern China

Mountains have been attraction centers throughout the history of China as both pilgrimage and tourist sites because they are not only sanctified by Chinese religions but their natural beauty also attracts people. In this paper, I will problematize the application of the western construction of separation of ‘the secular’ and ‘the religious to the practice of pilgrimage in Modern China as well as offer a new perspective to better understand the practice of pilgrimage in Modern China. Accordingly, the scope of this paper is limited to pilgrimage in Modern China starting with the end of the Cultural Revolution (1969-1979).