The Dichotomy of Dachen Island’s Red Culture: Portrayal vs. Reality in the Context of Tourism Development

Abstract

Following the evacuation of the Dachen Islands by the Republic of China in 1955, the People’s Republic of China undertook a reconstruction and redevelopment effort through the volunteer work of a youth committee known as the Reclamation Team. Today, Dachen Island is renowned for symbolizing Red Culture and the Reclamation Spirit, receiving significant government support, especially for developing its sustainable tourism industry. This field study investigates the disparity between the island's portrayal as a symbol of Red Culture and the Reclamation Spirit and its actual experience as seen through tourists, landscapes, and residents. Tourists are primarily drawn to Dachen Island for its natural scenery and relaxation rather than its Red Culture. The island’s social media image highlights its natural beauty, contrasting sharply with the patriotic culture emphasized by government and official news outlets. Although Dachen Island features several cultural and historical sites, many remain closed or underutilized. As modernization progresses, the island faces a declining youth population, while migrant workers are attracted by the expanding tourism industry. Red Culture and the Reclamation Spirit function more as branding tools that help the island secure government funding and recognition rather than reflecting the lived reality of its residents.