Seeking transcendence in the depths of the soul: an exploration into current spiritual journeys

Recent research on spiritual tourism has largely emphasised physical and psychological well-being, often overlooking an ontological dimension of spirituality and its potential to address fundamental human pursuit. This study advances the understanding of spiritual tourism by examining transcendental experiences among Chinese spiritual tourists in nature. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, we gathered rich narratives that were thematically analysed, revealing four distinct types of transcendental experiences: transcendence from social constraints, transcendence of ego, transcendence of awareness, and transcendence of ontological insecurity. Findings suggest that nature-based spiritual tourism offers a pathway to transcend the absurdities and mundanity of society, as well as the ontological anxiety associated with mortality. Unique experiences, such as a state of oblivion, realising eternity in nature, and transcending the conventional meaning of death, appear to resonate with Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. Future research is needed to continue exploring spiritual tourism from an ontological perspective across diverse cultural and tourism contexts.