Research on the Low-Carbon Development of Tourist Attractions Based on Complex Adaptive Systems Theory —A Case Study of Yucun, Zhejiang Province

Abstract

To achieve sustainable tourism, the low-carbon development of tourist attractions is particularly crucial. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the low-carbon construction in Yucun, Zhejiang Province, based on the theory of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). By dissecting the application of seven CAS elements—aggregation, nonlinearity, flows, diversity, tags, internal models, and building blocks—during Yucun’s low-carbon development process, the successful pathways to its low-carbon transformation are revealed. Building on this, the paper proposes specific recommendations for the low-carbon transition of other tourist spots, including collaborative innovation among diverse entities, strengthening low-carbon tags, stimulating nonlinear effects, optimizing the flow of information and resources, promoting diverse development, refining internal models, and constructing a building-block model for low-carbon development. This research provides systematic guidance and practical suggestions for constructing low-carbon tourist attractions, enriches the application of Complex Adaptive Systems theory in the field of low-carbon development, and offers a practical guide for global low-carbon tourist spot construction.