Tourism Economy in Lingshi County: A Dual Mode of Coal Culture and Ancient Architectural Heritage

In the present work, an in-depth analysis is performed to study the economic development trajectory of Lingshi County in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, aiming to uncover a sustainable tourism development mode that can serve as a reference for the transformation and upgrading of resource-based areas. Lingshi County, a typical coal-resource-based area, faces the dual challenges of economic structural adjustment and environmental protection. Leveraging methods such as literature review and field research, the study comprehensively evaluates the tourism resource potential and current status of the county. With this foundation, the study focuses on achieving a balance between the development of the traditional coal industry and the emerging cultural tourism sector. The research findings suggest that for Lingshi County to boost its tourism development, it should embrace a strategy centered around coal culture experiences and the preservation of ancient architectural heritage. This approach not only enables the growth of revenue streams and fosters economic diversification within the county but also enhances awareness of ecological environment protection, thereby driving the transformation of Lingshi County’s development mode towards one that is sustainable, green, and low-carbon. The research findings underscore the significance of adopting a tourism-driven development strategy in resource-based areas, offering a model and strategy that can serve as a reference for areas facing similar circumstances.