Exploring a new model of urban sustainable development: The potential of oil tea as an ecological product in Guilin

Abstract

Based on the concept of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, Chinese government is relying on the ecological and environmental characteristics of cities, in combination with modern ecological, economic, and sociological theories, to achieve sustainable urban development. However, the value realization of ecological products (EP) faces challenges in four major aspects: quantification, trading, transformation, and sustainability. At this stage, seeking breakthroughs to form a stable development path for the realization of the value of EPs is crucial. This paper examines the Guilin Sustainable Development Innovation Demonstration Zone and conducts a case study on oil tea, a characteristic EP. Based on the value realization of EPs, this paper analyzes the oil tea industry in terms of three functions: ecological protection, regional economic development, and traditional cultural support. Drawing on the theory of the gross ecosystem product, this paper examines the role of the value realization of oil tea in improving the quality of the urban living environment and ecosystem functions in Guilin. The results can help promote research on the shaping effects of endemic EPs on sustainable development with respect to the urban economy. Taking a human-centered perspective, the principles of landsenses ecology and traditional ecological knowledge can help analyze the social, historical, and cultural value of oil tea. Combined with on-site research data, a relationship map centered on oil tea culture is created to explore the importance of developing traditional cultural attributes of local EPs in promoting cultural customs, protecting the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, and driving the development of the cultural tourism industry. By constructing a sustainable urban development model centered on developing local characteristic EPs with the core elements of ecology–economy–traditional culture, this paper aims to strengthen the ecological protection function of cities, promote high-quality economic development, and enhance the soft power of traditional culture. It provides scientific support for the sustainable development planning in Guilin.