Building Bridges: The Role of Micro-Documentaries in Enhancing Cultural-Tourism Integration and Sense of Place

Abstract

This review article explores the transformative role of micro-documentaries in driving tourism growth and cultural engagement in China. Highlighting their concise format (3-10 minutes) and emotional storytelling, the article showcases their impact on tourism, with notable examples such as "Pandas of Chengdu," which contributed to a 30% rise in visitors, and "The Karst Mountains of Guilin," which saw a 25% increase in tourism. Other micro-documentaries, like "The Forbidden City Revealed" and "Lijiang: A Timeless Town," reported 28% and 22% growth, respectively, underscoring their effectiveness in promoting both iconic and lesser-known destinations. The review emphasizes the synergy between video-sharing platforms and micro-documentaries, with some productions amassing over 200 million views, fostering cultural appreciation and sustainable tourism. Challenges, including policy impacts and the integration of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality, are also discussed, offering insights into the future potential of this medium.