Relevant ecotourism theories were applied to further investigate the mushrooming cave dwelling resorts on the Loess Plateau.By introducing the present development of cave dwelling settlements in the study area,types of cave dwelling resort was summarized:historic cave dwelling resort based on high cultural value,artistic value and aesthetic value;cave dwelling resort characterized by primitive folk customs;cave hotel showing folk house features of the Loess Plateau.Luochuan Resort of the Loess Folk Customs,Miaoshang Resort of Sanmenxia,Stone Cave Hotel of Yangjialing in Yan'an were respectively studied to analyze features and development conditions of cave dwelling resort,on the basis of which development principles and countermeasures were discussed.The orientation of cave dwelling resort on the Loess Plateau should be determined first,sustainability and accountability of ecotourism should be followed.Finally,the significance of cave dwelling resort for promoting local economic development,enhancing the rational utilization of natural resources,protecting and developing traditional settlements of cave dwellings was given.
