Local Practice of Composite Governance of Rural Folk Sports in China in the Context of Culture, Sports and Tourism Integration in the New Era——A Sociological Study of Collective Action for the Revival of Dragon-boat Activities in the Ancient Towns in Xiangxi

This study aims to explore the successful experience of effective governance in folk sports within the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism. Using a combined “structure-institution” and “process-event” analytical approach, it situates the revival of traditional dragon boat activities in the ancient towns in Xiangxi against the broader backdrop of societal structures. The discussion follows the entire process, from the formation and mobilization of collective action consensus, through its challenges and dual strategic responses, to the eventual establishment of collective action. The study argues that the interplay of selfgovernance, external governance, and collaborative governance co-created the order of dragon boat activities. Governance forms evolved dynamically at different stages based on the alignment of interests among stakeholders. This evolution is particularly evident in the administrative legitimacy upheld by collective action, the construction of nested quasi-organizational systems, and the role of incentive mechanisms that aligned with operational units. Together, these factors effectively facilitated the revival of dragon boat activities through collective action. Finally, the study discusses action strategies for achieving effective governance in the new era,offering localized insights and reflections on a new governance model for rural folk sports.