Introduction

Kolas’ (2008) book entitled Tourism and Tibetan Culture in Transition: A Place called Shangrila, explored the intricate relationship between tourism, culture and ethnic identity in Shangrila, a Tibetan region in Southwest China. She conducted an investigation of an ethnic tourism program called ‘Visit to a Tibetan family’. Tourists who wanted to taste Tibetan food, see traditional costumes and experience folk music, initiated the program. The tourism service department controlled by the Han responded by introducing a combination of sightseeing and family visits. Tourists not only have first-hand knowledge of Tibetan life and culture, but also have a chance to observe a Tibetan family's everyday life. The home setting was cozy and friendly. The tour guide first introduced traditional aspects of Tibetan customs to tourists. The po cha (Tibetan butter tea), barley wine and roasted mutton were served to show family hospitality. Finally, folk songs and dances were performed in an impromptu way that tourists could participate in. It provided an excellent opportunity for tourists to take a rare glimpse of ‘back stage’, ‘authentic’ Tibetan family life.

Despite the popularity of the program, a Tibetan tour guide told Kolas in private that it has nothing to do with ‘real’ family life. These houses were carefully selected by tourism agencies and tour operators under the strict control of the government. What the tourists see is not authentic, but fabricated specifically for what tourists expect to see. Later, Kolas questioned her Tibetan friend whether the dance performances at the ‘Tibetan family house’ were similar to those that local people would dance at bonfire parties or at home. The reply was a definite no. However, Kolas argued that dances performed by her friend's sister and other villagers during the festival were similarly ‘inauthentic’. To this, her Tibetan friend explained: ‘that's no problem, since the festival was not for tourists, it was for ourselves’.