Building temples in China: memories, tourism, and identities

Abstract

This book examines the revival of worship of the Chinese deity Huang Daxian and the building of many new temples to the god in mainland China over the last 20 years. It analyzes the role of local governments in initiating temple construction projects in China and how development-oriented, temple-building activities in Mainland China reveal the forces of transnational ties, capital, markets, and identities, as temples were built with the hope of developing tourism, boosting the local economy, and enhancing Chinese identities for Hong Kong and Taiwanese worshippers. -- Back cover