Third International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

Dongyi people from the ancient Shandong area were famous for their worship of the Sun God 10,000 years ago. The Dongyi people created hieroglyphics in China 5000 years ago and left many legends about their colorful life and their ancestors. The Shandong area, however, has experienced the worst environmental disruption during the past thirty years because of the development of heavy industry. To make adjustment for the economic structure, the local government shifted its support from heavy industry to tourism in recent years. As a result, the ancient heritage of Dongyi Culture has been well restored and preserved. Rizhao, a coastal city which boasts its beautiful landskapes and rich Sun culture resources, initiated a huge project called “Sun City of the East.” The investment to tourism business has been payed back and the region has been becoming an attractive cultural destination for tourists.