Page 73 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Elite involvement in rural revitalization

of social elite participation in rural revitalization remains
scarce. Consequently, this article attempt, with an objective
and cautious attitude, to utilize three villages in Shunde—
each representing an intervention model—as case studies.
The aim is to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive
understanding of the aforementioned intervention models.

3. The three villages in Shunde
3.1. The “Qingtian Model” led by government elites
Qingtian village boasts a rich historical legacy, adorned
with numerous historical and cultural landmarks as well as
scenic farmlands. Located away from bustling urban areas
and untouched by industrialization, it resembles more of an
abandoned village left behind by modernization compared
Figure 4. Bishan village. Source: Photo by Siweiankou (https://www. to other rural areas that have already been commercialized
xiaohongshu.com/explore/659b5d59000000001d036 8da?app_platform= or developed for tourism. Consequently, its original rural
android &ignoreEngag e=true &app_version=8.34. 0&share_from_ civilization and environment have been well preserved.
user _hidden =true&type= normal&author_share= 1&xhsshare However, Qingtian village faces similar problems to many
=WeixinSession&shareRedId=Nz1HQTU6OU09TUg3S0AwOzg3OT
9INT9P&apptime=1715762073&wechatWid=79e5912e93e61ef3c9c6 other villages, such as a declining population, with young
91bba812d70f&wechatOrigin=menu) people migrating to urban areas for work, resulting in
severe hollowing.
While many social capitals enter rural areas for In 2017, the Shunde Town government invited Professor
development with the support of national policies, not Yan Qu and his team from the Guangdong University
every village can attain the status of a beautiful village or a of Technology to Qingtian village to begin its rebuilding
characteristic town. Villages lacking distinguishing features and revival. Professor Qu immediately proposed a
and environmental advantages gradually disappear from comprehensive revival plan for the village, which was later
social attention, leaving their inhabitants feeling voiceless named the “Qingtian Model” by the Shunde government
amidst the tide of rural development and construction. and established as a typical example of rural revitalization.
Outsiders, such as artists, are recognized by villagers Specifically, the “Qingtian Model” mainly focused on the
as holding a dominant position, relegating decision- following three aspects:
making authority to them. Consequently, villagers find
themselves on the sidelines, rarely participating in the 3.1.1. De-artification
rural construction process. In addition, the dominance and The “Qingtian Model” emphasizes the villagers as the
superiority of elitism may breed problems, even when the main body, respecting local culture and reviving rural
intentions of the outsiders are well-meaning (Liu, 2018). civilization from various aspects such as rural beliefs,
However, the design techniques and perspectives of ethics, history, and economy simultaneously. Professor Yan
some villages are gradually shifting toward community Qu believes that it is most important to prevent artists from
construction. They are transitioning from a focus on turning Qingtian village into an art village. This approach
locational advantages and physical structures to rebuilding could lead to the detachment of artistic rural construction
interpersonal relationships within rural society. This shift from the social and cultural context of rural society and
is exemplified by the widespread adoption of participatory the demands of the main body, ultimately displacing the
design methods, which empower villagers to actively villagers (Qu, 2021).
engage in the design process (Zuo, 2020).
3.1.2. Cultural construction and emotional
2.4. Research question involvement
Although the social elite, spanning across governmental, The “Qingtian Model” advocates for immersing themselves
capital, and intellectual realms, are actively involved in in the villagers’ lives, becoming local apprentices,
rural revitalization efforts, the prevailing discussions conducting field investigations, and humbly learning local
and research pre-dominantly focus on promoting and knowledge and history. The team restored folk activities,
publicizing model examples, often lacking critical reflection. such as “Burning Pagoda,” attempting to maintain rural
A comprehensive and systematic study of the three models ethics through traditional cultural rituals. At the same

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2940