Exploring Multilevel Resonance in Traditional Cultural Events: Insights From the Chinese Experience

Abstract

Resonance describes the experiences where external information connects with internal worldviewsto generate transformative responses. With traditional cultural events developing rapidly as forms ofcultural tourism, organizers increasingly seek to initiate resonance beyond surface-level participation.However, the underlying mechanism of resonance remains to be studied. This study takes traditionalChinese cultural events as its case to investigate resonance through semistructured interviews.The findings show that resonance emerges through interactions and progresses through three levels:event inspired, cultural immersion, and self-reflection. These processes demonstrate how culturalevents can deliver culture with depth and bring about participant transformation. This study advancesexisting research by focusing on the responsive relationships and transformations that emerge duringevent interactions. It also redirects the analytical lens of cultural influence from mere outcomes to theunderlying generative mechanisms, while providing practical insights for designing culturally meaningfulexperiences that engage participants more deeply and enhance the transmission of tradition.