近年來，觀光策略大規模且快速地在台灣的鄉村地區擴展開來。觀光策略被視爲鄉村地區社會與地域再生的有效催化劑；在實證經驗上，也確實爲鄉村經濟與再發展帶來具體的成效與新的發展機會。從文獻與研究討論逐漸轉向強調社會影響與社會資本的同時，提供新的向度省思鄉村觀光發展途徑。本文以此論述基礎，以鄉村觀光發展迄今近十年的白河蓮花觀光爲研究個案，驗證白河當地住民所參與和感受之白河蓮花觀光所產生的社會影響與社會資本情形，嘗試從新的角度來解釋白河蓮花觀光發展所面臨的困境。
研究結果顯示，白河蓮花觀光對當地住民所造成的社會影響，居民認爲確實增加當地住民的工作機會，但整體性實質生活水準的提高，並未出現；而且蓮文化商品化現象問題嚴重，嚴重影響白河蓮花觀光的品牌形象，進而衝擊社會資本的存量，影響觀光發展的永續。這是値得重視的問題。因此，未來應該適當考量觀光發展利益的實質回饋於社區住民，且避免蓮產品過度氾濫，並適度保護當地蓮文化的價値與意象，才能維繫白河蓮花觀光發展的永續性。

Recently, the tourism development strategy has speeded up its influence and been emphasized in rural areas of Taiwan. The tourism has been regarded as a catalyst to recall social consciousness and push revitalization in rural areas. It also brings up opportunities to promote rural economy while facing the increasing competition in decades. However, the discussion of rural tourism development results in social impact and social capital, we try to emphasize such importance on studies of rural tourism by the case of Baiho town's Lotus Festival. According to the study results, the Lotus tourism of Baiho actually raised job opportunities and local economy as were perceived by residents. On the other hand, it inevitably influenced life qualities due to lacks of control on impacts of environment and society. By the way, a problem of cultural commodification also weakened Baiho's trustworthy tourism and the social capital; these points should be highlighted now. This study, based on arguments of social impact and social capital, tries to explore any possible and related influences in facing with resident's recognitions and attitudes towards Baiho's rural tourism. It is also expected to propose issues and strategies to deal with a predicament of sustainable Baiho's Lotus Festival. Apparently, it is important for the sustainable development of the Baiho's Lotus Tourism to concern the effects on the residents and keep the lotus's cultural value as well.