Core Viewpoint - The temple economy, driven by famous temples like Shaolin Temple and Emei Mountain, has become a significant segment of the cultural tourism industry, with annual revenues reaching billions, and is projected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025-2026 [1][2][8] Revenue Sources - The primary revenue sources for these temples include ticket sales and incense offerings, with additional income from cultural tourism, dining, and creative products [1][6][8] - Ticket prices vary widely, with examples such as Jiuhua Mountain ticket at 160 yuan and Shaolin Temple ticket at 80 yuan, often bundled with other services [2][6] Visitor Statistics - Major temples attract millions of visitors annually, with Lingyin Temple receiving 12 million visitors in 2023 and Emei Mountain achieving a record 620,000 visitors in a single year [2][6][7] - Emei Mountain reported a significant increase in ticket revenue, reaching 4.91 billion yuan in 2023, a 248.38% increase year-on-year [6] Financial Performance - Emei Mountain A (000888.SZ) reported a revenue of 1.013 billion yuan for 2024, with a net profit of 235 million yuan, reflecting a growth of 3.08% [2] - Jiuhua Tourism (603199.SH) projected a revenue of 764 million yuan for 2024, with a net profit of 186 million yuan, marking a 5.64% increase [3] Cultural and Creative Products - The temple economy also includes a growing market for cultural and creative products, with online and offline sales channels contributing significantly to revenue [7][8] - Popular products include Lingyin Temple bracelets and Emei Mountain souvenirs, with some items priced significantly higher than average market rates [7][8] Emotional and Cultural Value - The popularity of temple visits is attributed to emotional value and cultural experiences, providing a therapeutic outlet for visitors [9] - Temples are seen as cultural heritage sites, attracting younger generations with innovative products and experiences [9] Industry Trends - The temple economy is evolving with new business models, including night tourism and sports tourism, aimed at enhancing visitor engagement [6][9] - There is a growing concern regarding the commercialization of temples, emphasizing the need for regulation to maintain cultural integrity [9]

Core Insights - The temple economy, represented by famous temples like Shaolin Temple and Emei Mountain, has become a significant part of the cultural tourism industry, generating substantial revenue through various channels such as ticket sales, incense offerings, cultural products, and dining services [1][3] - The market size of the temple economy is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025-2026, indicating its growing importance in the cultural tourism sector [1] Revenue Sources - Major temples in China, including Shaolin Temple, Jiuhua Mountain, Emei Mountain, Lingyin Temple, Yonghe Palace, and Ling Shan Buddha, generate annual revenues ranging from hundreds of millions to over ten billion yuan, primarily from ticket sales and incense offerings [3] - Ticket prices for these temples vary, with examples such as Jiuhua Mountain's ticket at 160 yuan and Shaolin Temple's ticket at 80 yuan, often bundled with additional services [3] - Emei Mountain reported an annual revenue of 1.013 billion yuan in 2024, with a net profit of 235 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.08% [3] Visitor Statistics - Lingyin Temple received 12 million visitors in 2023, generating ticket revenue of 360 million yuan, with projections of 11 million visitors and approximately 330 million yuan in ticket revenue for 2024 [4] - Jiuhua Tourism reported an estimated revenue of 764 million yuan for 2024, with a net profit of 186 million yuan, showcasing a year-on-year growth of 5.64% [4] Cultural and Culinary Integration - The temple economy's core revenue includes not only ticket sales and incense but also related tourism services, cultural performances, and dining options, such as vegetarian meals that can cost around 100 yuan per person [6] - Emei Mountain has actively promoted cultural tourism integration, resulting in a 114.61% increase in visitor numbers in 2023, reaching 5.96 million [6] Digital and Creative Economy - The temple economy has diversified into digital and creative products, with significant sales through online platforms, including popular items like Lingyin Temple's hand-strung bracelets and Emei Mountain souvenirs [7][8] - The revenue breakdown indicates that ticket sales account for over 30%, incense offerings over 20%, and creative products around 18% of total income [8] Emotional and Cultural Value - The popularity of the temple economy is attributed to its emotional value and cultural experiences, providing a therapeutic outlet for visitors, especially younger generations facing stress [9] - The industry faces challenges regarding commercialization and maintaining the integrity of cultural heritage, necessitating a balanced approach to development [9]