Abstract
Locality is one of the important issues in the history of publishing in China. To understand clearly the specific features of a given regional print culture, one must examine how subject matter specific to that place may be closely related to the development of publishing there. This study uses a variety of Ming dynasty publications stemming from Tian Ruchen's ”Xihu Youlanzhi” (Gazetteer for Sightseeing on West Lake) to explore the relationship between printed books and tourism in Hangzhou. Since the Southern Song period, the West Lake area has been renowned for sightseeing and pilgrimage. The city beside West Lake, Hangzhou, claims even greater fame in terms of history and printing. It may not be a coincidence that almost all of the publications about West Lake, including reprints and adaptations, were printed in Hangzhou. Because tourism was a major source of revenue for Hangzhou residents, publications about different aspects of West Lake could enhance the tourists' interest and understanding. Such publications therefore played a significant role in this industry. Incorporating the style of historical writing, Tian Ruchen's ”Xihu Youlanzhi” was the first topographical gazetteer to emphasize tourism, and greatly influenced later writing about West Lake. Investigating the reprints and adaptations of ”Xihu Youlanzhi” in the late Ming period reveals changes driven by the shift from gentry sponsorship to commercial printing. In terms of content, more updated information and visual materials were included to reflect recent construction and new interests. In terms of production, local scholars and monks, in addition to officials, were involved in editing and printing gazetteers. During the process of compilation, they developed diverse editorial strategies to cater to a different readership, mostly tourists. Publications focusing on West Lake were undoubtedly the most important genre of the Hangzhou printing industry.