The Chinese Dream, along with its counterparts in other countries, is an evocative, socially compelling but academically imprecise concept. Analyses advanced by Western commentators are not necessarily congruent with Chinese perspectives, especially at the broader political levels. There seems to be consensus, however, that at the individual level, Chinese aspirations commonly include prosperity, harmony, and the opportunity to pursue distinctly Chinese philosophies, lifestyles, and ways of doing things, not necessarily the same as in other countries and cultures.
Practical manifestations of this include increasing individual wealth, leisure time, freedom to travel, concern over personal health and wellbeing, and interests in Chinese tradition, culture and nature. All of these are expressed in very large-scale growth in domestic and outbound Chinese tourism, including nature-based and adventure activities. Here we argue that this growth has taken place, and continues, along paths which are distinctly Chinese. We also argue that as outbound tourism from China increases, the expectations of Chinese tourists, influenced by factors broadly referred to as the Chinese Dream, will affect tourism in destination countries.