The most significant number of residents on the island are fishermen with an average age of over 40 years old, who make a living by fishing, running restaurants or selling seafood. About 22% of the remaining residents are elderly and children. They live by the sea, are familiar with the island's history and culture, and have rich fishing experiences. Their main problems stem from a disturbed life and poor economy.
The income of the aborigines comes from traditional fishing and the emerging tourism economy. However, due to the high cost of living caused by the scarcity of resources on the island, these unstable incomes cannot support their lives. In recent years, fishermen's income from fishing has become less and less due to the impact of natural changes such as ocean currents and the market impact brought about by urbanisation.
“I fish every day, which is dangerous and tiring, and earns little. But what else can I do without fishing?”
In March 2020, the bridge leading to Mayu Island was completed. People in the nearest urban area only need fifteen minutes to get to the island; they no longer need to take a boat. But the increase in tourists has not boosted the local economy well. Instead, they disturbed the peaceful life of the residents.
Some fishermen are trying to transition to the island's fledgling tourism economy. But due to a lack of business experience, most of them can only work in the catering industry. The single format also increases the competitive pressure on each other—there are 18 seafood restaurants on a small island. Fearing high prices and hygiene issues, tourists rarely spend on the island.
The residents who have lived on the island for generations have not yet adapted to the changes brought about by the increase in tourists. Especially when unfamiliar tourists shuttle in their residential areas, noise and sight will bother them.
At night and on weekends, the narrow roads start to clog up. The garbage on the island has also increased along with tourists, especially the plastic bags and bamboo sticks that can be seen everywhere on the beach.
On the one hand, residents resent that the increase in the number of tourists has broken the original life
But on the other hand, they expect more tourists to spend on the island, thus improving the economy and life.
There is no cheap food on this island and no tourism-related services. But whenever the weekend comes, many people will be on the island.
is the expected scene in the hearts of tourists. Under the pressure of busy work, they can relax in a corner away from the city within half an hour's journey. This is one of the reasons why Mayu Island has always attracted tourists.
"Sitting where the sea breeze blows,
watching the fishing boats on the sea in a daze,"
Through observation and interviews with tourists, we found that most came from surrounding cities, and some came from other provinces. They have curiosity and a sense of identity with folk culture and customs. Especially young people and family tourists, care about the stories and origins of their own culture, and hope to explore and experience culture in various ways.
Similar trends can also be seen in other regions: People gradually prefer experiential tourism to explore local history and culture. Especially in life affected by the epidemic, they are more inclined to feel the surrounding places in a deep and relaxed way.
Mayu island revitalisation framework:
Connecting the future with Culture Resonance
rqyao@stu.edu.cn
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