This study utilizes the NOW Corpus to analyze the reporting characteristics of Leshan in international media, exploring the construction process and evolving trends of its international image. The findings reveal that early coverage of Leshan was predominantly led by British and American media, gradually expanding to key Asian countries and regions, and peaking in global attention in 2020. Content-wise, Leshan’s international image has long been centered on cultural landmarks such as the Leshan Giant Buddha. In 2020, flooding events significantly increased its visibility as a natural disaster hotspot, though this attention later subsided, with the focus shifting back to its regional tourism image. In recent years, with the promotion of tourism resources—such as the integration of cuisine and cultural elements—Leshan’s international image has become richer and more diversified.

International image;Discourse analysis;NOW Corpus

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This study is supported by the 2024 project of the Leshan Science and Technology and Industrial Internationalization Service Collaborative Innovation Base, titled “A Study of Leshan’s Urban International Image from the Perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis (2021-2023)” (Project No.: LSKJ24G06).

DOI： https://doi.org/10.62639/sspjiss23.20250203

Published： 2025