The application of virtual reality (VR) promises unique visitor experiences in museum tourism; however, the underlying characteristics of the experiences still need to be well-researched. This research used world-famous paintings (Vincent van Gogh’ s The Starry Night and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies) as examples, combining flow theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response framework and using the experimental research method. The findings were: (1) the display methods of museum exhibits affected visitors' flow experience and intention to use VR; (2) flow experience had a significant mediating effect in the main effect, and (3) the familiarity with VR had a moderating effect on flow experience’s mediating effect. The findings enriched the research literature on VR usage and display methods in museums, providing a theoretical reference and strategic suggestions for enterprises developing museum exhibits and applying VR technology.

‘Dark tourism’ has become an accepted terminology in tourism academics, but there are omissions in its research. Often it concentrates on the nature of the event and the psychological consequences for tourist. Rarely has the research considered ideas of the local residents. This study thus examines the perceptions and attitudes of local residents. Beichuan County in Sichuan Province of China, where the Great Sichuan Earthquake occurred in 2008, was considered as the research site. Survey questionnaires were undertaken in site plus the use of the web to capture the views of younger family members no longer working in the immediate area. The total sample numbered 516 respondents. Analyses indicated that in the dark tourism contexts residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts confirm the three traditional dimensions – economical, socio-cultural and environmental; residents tended to form positive attitudes towards dark tourism development. ANOVAs particularly found that no differences existed in the perceptions and attitudes towards dark tourism development among people who had experienced different levels of sufferings or economic losses. Such observations help to solve the debates between the proponents and opponents of dark tourism. Based on the findings, discussions and dialogues with the literature are provided.