Abstract:Based on the textual document about the study on the Emei martial arts in CNKI database, and by use of the Cite Space III software scientific knowledge map visualization data and logical reasoning, the academic research data of Emei martial arts in recently30 years is explored and reviewed in depth in three stages. The study finds that the first research stage of Emei martial arts mainly focused attention on the review of the derivative and origin of the Emei martial arts through sorting out historical literature, which is strongly descriptive, yet weak in its connotative interpretation of the symbolic analysis of re- gional martial arts culture. The second stage looked at the attribute of its regional cultural symbols, yet is blamed for its weak-
ness in scientific referential value; the third stage is about the research on the inheritance and protection, development and gen- eralization of Emei martial arts, in which the organic wholeness and systematicness are not strong, and the field survey and da- ta support is insufficient. On the basis of above researches, the future trend of the research on culture symbol of regional Emei martial arts is made clear: 1. the adoption and borrowing of subjects should highlight its interdisciplinary attribute, especially the integrated application of cultural semiotics and anthropology. 2. The use of research methods should put equal emphasis on theory and practice. The application of theory highlights the use of the classical theory of sociology, and the methods of prac- tice should prioritize the field investigation and inheritance people’s oral nuncupation. That is to say, the conceptual history of Emei martial art and the oral history should be paid equal attention to. 3. Researches taking the body as the inheriting carrier that dedicate to the study of the derivation, inheritance and evolution of the Emei martial arts culture become research priori- ties. 4. The comparative study between Emei martial arts culture and the other regional martial arts culture should be given due attention.