Visitors' attitudes towards China's national forest park policy, roles and functions, and appropriate use

National parks throughout the world are increasingly challenged to accommodate the dual mandates of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing positive recreation experiences for park visitors. This is particularly true for China's national forest parks (NFPs), now important destinations for both the domestic and international tourist markets. The sustainable management of the NFPs requires an understanding of park visitors' attitudes. This paper examines how visitors perceive the roles and functions, policies and appropriate uses relating to China's NFPs, based on data from an important NFP. Results suggest that visitors' attitudes towards NFPs are positive. The majority of study participants placed higher priority on the protection of the ecological integrity of NFPs than on their development and use for recreation and tourism. They were supportive of NFP policies for limiting visitor numbers and phasing out inappropriate uses. Non-consumptive activities were viewed as highly appropriate while religious activities and dancing/karaoke lounges were seen as highly inappropriate. Visitors who placed higher priority on the protection of ecological integrity were less likely to compromise protection with use, and more likely to support non-consumptive activities. Future research needs are discussed.