Research has neglected to explore the role that residents’ feelings toward tourists play in influencing residents’ emotional wellbeing and residents’ attitude about tourism. This study proposes a theoretical model integrating emotional solidarity, emotional wellbeing and residents’ attitude. In order to test the proposed model, a survey of residents in China was undertaken. Structural equation modeling and mediation analysis were applied to assess the relationships involving residents’ emotional solidarity with tourists, emotional wellbeing, and residents’ attitude. The three dimensions of emotional solidarity were considered in the study: 1) welcoming nature, 2) sympathetic understanding, and 3) emotional closeness. Results indicate that welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding and emotional closeness directly influence residents’ attitude and residents’ emotional wellbeing. In addition, the relationships involving residents’ welcoming nature, sympathetic understanding and emotional closeness with tourists and residents’ attitude were all mediated by emotional wellbeing. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research opportunities are provided.