Path Selection for the Development of China's National Park: An Empirical Study of Pudacuo National Park in a Perspective of Institutional Vicissitude

摘要

The development of China's national park has been at a turning point. An empirical study can provide a concrete and microscopic perspective to its future path selection. The study of Pudacuo National Park shows that the tourism management system of Pudacuo area has evolved from co-management(1984-1993) , independent development (1994-1996) , monopolized operation (1997-1999) , chartered operation(20002003) , and finally to a national park mode (2004present). Analyzed in perspective of institutional vicissitude, it is found that environmental change, profit seeking, path-dependence and accidental issues are the influence factors and driving force to this evolution process. The present management system of Pudatsuo National Park has such limitations as lack of upper-level legislation, administration fragmentation among different government departments, and low economic efficiency. The case study discloses that public-oriented goals of national park can be reached only if the central government ensures sufficient funding to compensate. Reconstruction of administrative system and practice proper franchise system will be the path selection for the development of national park.