Performing Heritage and Authenticity: A Fieldwork in "Jiuli City"

This paper explores the authenticity of tourism in the scenic plot named "Jiuli City"in Pengshui, China. Through ethnographic research among the government, local residents, and tourists, the paper indicates how the government and the staff in "Jiuli City"construct authenticity, through acts such as tourist guides telling standard stories and performing as traditional Miao residents. Furthermore, the paper also discusses how intangible heritage is being preserved and remembered through the story of a traditional papermaking master. Finally, the paper discusses the attitude towards authenticity of the tourists. In doing so, the paper discusses the differences between objective, constructive and performative authenticity of heritage, positing the latter as being most appropriate to "Jiuli City".