Network characteristics of tourism destinations: a case from the Yesanpo tourism destination in China

This study considers the Yesanpo tourism destination as a case, using network and spatial analysis methods to reveal its structure characteristics from the perspective of node centrality, connection hierarchy and space cluster. The results are as follows. (1) Core scenic spots/central towns have higher centrality than surrounding rural communities and characteristic parks, and occupy core positions. (2) Network connections show obvious hierarchical characteristics and spatial heterogeneity; each hierarchy is based on the core scenic spots and the central town, existing spatial difference between the south and north and spatial dependence on the river and main road. (3) Spatial elements tend to cluster to form several tourism cluster units, which centre on core scenic spots, composed of central towns, rural communities and characteristic parks, and show the dual features of 'adjacent connection' and 'preferential connection'. The study also suggests each tourism node should be equipped with appropriate facilities and services based on their structural characteristics and functions to promote sustainable development of tourism destinations.