Research on the Inheritance and Innovation of Zhanjiang Folk Music under the Background of Cultural and Tourism Integration

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China's accelerating integration of culture and tourism, the preservation, dissemination, and social embeddedness of Zhanjiang folk music have undergone significant transformations. As a distinctive embodiment of Lingnan culture and maritime traditions, this musical heritage has gained renewed visibility through tourism-driven initiatives. However, challenges such as the erosion of traditional transmission mechanisms, homogenization of musical content, and the loss of cultural depth have become increasingly prominent. Drawing on theories of cultural ecology and culture–tourism integration, this study employs methods including literature review, field investigation, interviews, and case analysis to examine the historical and artistic dimensions of Zhanjiang folk music. It explores the role of folk music in tourism development and investigates pathways for revitalizing traditional music within the dynamics of cultural tourism. The findings indicate that while the expanding cultural tourism sector offers broader platforms for dissemination, the lack of robust preservation and creative renewal mechanisms may lead to the over-theatricalization, symbolic simplification, and commercial dilution of musical traditions.In response, this study proposes strategies such as establishing a multi-stakeholder system for music heritage preservation, promoting digital and cross-sectoral innovation, and strengthening cultural branding to support the sustainable development of Zhanjiang folk music within integrated cultural-tourism contexts. Overall, this research contributes to the academic understanding of regional musical culture and offers a practical reference for the contemporary transformation of intangible cultural heritage.