Against the backdrop of coordinated advances in cultural-tourism integration and rural revitalization strategies, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) homestay clusters—functioning as key vehicles for activating rural cultural capital—play a critical role in enhancing tourism destination appeal through scenario construction. This paper systematically reviews scholarly developments in ICH-based tourism and the evolution of homestay clusters. Drawing on scene theory as a theoretical framework, it examines the theoretical foundations, developmental models, and core components of ICH homestay cluster scenarios, while analyzing how “scene power” contributes to destination attractiveness. The study identifies four core drivers of scenario construction: symbolic translation of cultural elements into scenographic forms, collaborative innovation in spatial experience design, technological empowerment for immersive engagement, and multi-stakeholder coordination. These dimensions operate synergistically through a four-part integrative mechanism— “culture-space-technology-stakeholder”—transforming fragmented resources into cohesive, systemic scenes. This integrative approach effectively addresses persistent challenges such as cultural symbol fragmentation and experiential homogenization in rural cultural tourism.

Li Wanlian, Zhang Xinyun. Scenario Construction of Rural Intangible Cultural Heritage Homestay Clusters: Core Dimensions and Implementation Pathways. Academic Journal of Business & Management (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 9-17. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJBM.2026.080102.

[1] Pine B J 2nd, Gilmore J H. Welcome to the experience economy[J]. Harvard Business Review, 1998,76(4):97-105.

[2] Chen X, Yu Z Y. Superscription and placeness reproduction of rural space by homestay from representation and nonrepresentation perspectives : a case study of Mingyue Village in Chengdu City[J]. Areal Research and Development, 2022,41(3):145-150. DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1003-2363.2022.03.025

[3] Song X, Liang X C, Zhang X C , et al. Intangible cultural heritage into scenic spots : multi-case study of the logic and mechanism of multi-subject value co-creation[J]. Tourism Tribune, 2022, 37(11):85-100. DOI:10.19765/j.cnki.1002-5006.2022.00.015

[4] Qiao Y. Study on interaction of intangible cultural heritage protection and tourism development based on urbanization : a case of Wuling Mountain Contiguous Area[J]. Guizhou Ethnic Studies, 2017, 38(9):168-171. DOI:10.13965/j.cnki.gzmzyj10026959.2017.09.039

[5] Zhang J. Floating museum : tourism folklore performance and reproduction of cultural landscape, taking intangible cultural heritage exhibition in Guizhou Danzhai Wanda Town as an example[J]. Journal of North Minzu University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2022,(2):81-87.

[6] Luo J, Yang S J, Tan C. Integrated development of intangible cultural heritage protection and rural tourism economy—taking Leshan City as the example[J]. Journal of Shanxi University of Finance and Economics,2024,46(S1):127-129.

[7] Li Y, Sun J X. Local construction of intangible cultural heritage performances from a structured theory perspective : the case of the “Daily Water Splashing Festival” at Xishuangbanna Dai Ethnic Park[J]. Journal of South-Central University for Nationalities (Humanities and Social Sciences), 2021,41(12):55-64. DOI:10.19898/j.cnki.42—1704/C.2021.1208

[8] He X R, Luo H. Study on passivation mechanism of intangible cultural heritage tourism activation—take the ancient city of Fenghuang as an example[J]. Cultural Industry Research, 2023,33(3):326-339.

[9] Zhang N. From “place” to “space” : aesthetic construction and transformation of intangible cultural heritage[J]. Nanjing Journal of Social Sciences,2024,(6):139-148. DOI:10.15937/j.cnki.issn 1001—8263.2004.06.015

[10] Huang Y L, Zhang E R. The unique role of intangible cultural heritage(ICH) tourism in strengthening the sense of community among the Chinese people : a case study of the national ICH tourism during the National Day Holiday in 2024[J]. Journal of Tongji University(Socail Science Edition), 2025,36(1):41-49.

[11] Zhang Z Q. Integrating intangible cultural heritage into artistic rural development : characteristics, types, and approaches[J]. Journal of Yunnan Minzu University (Social Sciences), 2023, 40(5):54-57. DOI:10.13727/j.cnki.53-1191/c.20230831.002

[12] Lin H C. The Shaoshan model : mutual integration of intangible cultural heritage protection and red tourism[J]. Cultural Heritage,2023,(3):51-57.

[13] Zhai S S, Zha S Y, Guo Z Y. Construction of intangible cultural heritage digital technology system and service scenario innovation for the integration of culture and tourism[J]. Information Science, 2023,41(7):32-39. DOI:10.13833/j.issn.1007-7634.2023.07.005

[14] Wu Y X, Tian Y. Research on the path of rural revitalization and development promoted by "homestay inns+" model — taking Baihuashan homestay as examples[J]. Chinese Landscape Architecture, 2022,38(6):13-17. DOI:10.19775/j.cla.2022.06.0013

[15] Huang H P, Liu Y, Zhong W, et al. Scenario cognition and conation tendency : mediation of emotional identity and moderation of perceived value — take Shanghai high-end homestay as an example[J]. Tourism Science,2021,40(7):2066-2085. DOI:10.16323/j.cnki.lykx.20250603.001

[16] Wu Z J, Wang Z T, Wu S R, et al. Research on the agglomeration effects and high-quality development pathways of ethnic village homestays : a case study of Zhaoxing Dong Village[J]. Journal of Three Gorges University(Humanities & Social Sciences),2025,47(4):52-59.

[17] Hu X F, Li X Y, Wang T Y, et al. Spatial agglomeration pattern of homestay inn and influencing factors based on the comparison of Hangzhou, Huzhou,and Enshi cities[J]. Progress in Geography,2020,39(10):1698-1707. DOI:10.18306/dlkxjz.2020.10.009

[18] Long F, Dai X F, Zhang S Y. The development model of homestay tourism agglomeration in Yangtze River Delta from the L-R-D perspective[J]. Journal of Natural Resources, 2021, 36(5):1302-1315. DOI:10.31497/zrzyxb.20210516

[19] Cai X M, Bu M L, Wu Y Q, et al. Manufacturing heterotopia : the spatial evolution and mechanism of the rural homestay clustering located around large cities — case of Shenzhen Jiaochangwei[J]. Tourism Tribune,2022,37(11):27-39. DOI:10.19765/j.cnki.1002-5006.2022.11.007

[20] He C J, Zhao C. Rural Homestay Clusters driving rural revitalization : logic, cases, and implementation pathways[J]. Journal of Sichuan Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), 2022,49(2):98-105. DOI:10.13734/j.cnki.1000-5315.2022.02.012

[21] Lü W Q, Yu Z Y. The internal logic and practical pathways of homestay industry clusters empowering rural revitalization under urban-rural integration: a multi-case analysis in Southwest China[J]. Journal of Southwest University for Nationalities (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition),2024(1):38-45.

[22] Feng S D. Impact and path optimization of homestay clusters on rural revitalization: a case study of Nankunshan homestays in Huizhou City[J]. South-Central Agricultural Science and Technology, 2024,45(6):183-185,189.

[23] Cao Z K, Chen X Y, Wu Q B,et al. The elements and dimensions of Future village construction under the framework of scenarios theory: a case study of Dalu Village in Tonglu County, Hangzhou[J]. Planners,2022,(12):125-130.

[24] Clark T N, Lloyd R, Wong K K, et al. Amenities drive urban growth[J]. Journal of Urban Affairs, 2002,(5):493-515. doi.org/10.1111/1467-9906.00134

[25] Silver R D A, Clark T N. Scenarioscapes : how qualities of place shape social life[M]. Chicago: University of Chicago Press,2016. DOI:10.7208/chicago/9780226357041.001.0001

[26] Wu J. Scenarioscape theory: a new perspective on utilizing cultural factors to promote urban development research[J]. Hunan Social Sciences,2017,(2):175-182.

[27] Zhou K, Zhang Y. The functions and path of cultures communication of intangible cultural heritage tourism: a perspective from the ritual view[J]. Journal of Shandong University (Philosophy and Social Sciences),2022,(4):40-46. DOI:10.19836/j.cnki.37-1100/c.2022.04.004

[28] Wang Y. Development of the integration of digital culture and tourism based on scenario theory[J]. Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Social Sciences Edition), 2022,35(4):83-89. DOI:10.13766/j.bhsk.1008-2204.2021.0575

[29] Chen B, Yan S N. A study on the increasing of cultural value of intangible cultural heritage tourism sites under the scenario theory: based on the data of 27 intangible cultural heritage tourism towns in Zhejiang Province[J]. Journal of Tongji University(Social Sciences Edition), 2022, 33(1):20-32.

[30] Blumer H. Symbolic interactionism: perspective and method [M]. Englewood Clifs: Prent1ce-Ha11, 1969.

[31] Zang Z P, Chen M X. Cultural—tourism metaverse spaces creation : theoretical framework and practical strategies based on the perspective of scenario theory[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Philosophy and Social Sciences),2024,32(170):1-14. DOI:10.13806/j.cnki.issn.1008-7095.2024.10.001

[32] Wen W, Zhao M D. Constructing the digital scenarios of intangible cultural heritage in China[J]. Theory Monthly, 2022,(10):89-99. DOI:10.14180/j.cnki.1004-0544.2022.10.011