This paper reports results from a qualitative research study based on interviews with 40 residents of Hang Zhou, China. Using the 2006 World Leisure Expo as a case study it asked residents to assess the impacts of tourism on their city and daily lives. The results indicate a series of unrelated dimensions in attitudes, but an emergent pattern of ‘trade offs’ can be discerned whereby residents are aware of the negative impact of tourism but perceive that general economic advantages outweigh environmental degradation. While this is akin to results reported in the English speaking world, another gain that has importance is the pride gained from seeing their city having an active role on a world stage – a view that may be due to the opening up of Chinese society to the wider world under policies commenced 20 years ago. The paper also discusses briefly the advantages and disadvantages of this form of research methodology.

Keywords: Resident perceptions, event tourism, qualitative research, Hanz Zhou, China