Page 77 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Elite involvement in rural revitalization

Figure 14. Wood engraving course conducted at Longqiao Wugong
Ancestral Hall. Source: Photo by Yan Kong (https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/
Figure 13. Leisure park in Gulang village. Source: Photo by the authors TA4BDkxa-m8r0LFW2RPo1w)

children and organized various art exhibitions, concerts, renovation of village buildings and environments, tapping
and other activities (Figure 14). into traditional village culture, and offering educational
Since Shixiong Wu’s arrival in Gulang village, the village programs as “successful” in tangibly revitalizing the village
environment has improved, prompting more villagers to and evidentially showcasing achievements in their official
return from other places. There is a prevailing sentiment careers. However, this successful revitalization is limited to
among residents that the current living environment in Qingtian village alone, as replicating this model in other
Gulang village is highly comfortable, fostering a strong villages lacking government policies and financial support
sense of identity and belonging. However, during a proves challenging.
field visit in November 2021, the authors observed that 4.1.2. Visitors’ perception
commercial activities in Gulang village exclusively cater
to locals, offering amenities such as small supermarkets, For visitors from outside, expectations may include
vegetable markets, and hair salons. Unfortunately, there experiencing a pristine rural atmosphere characterized
is a lack of facilities for outsiders, such as restaurants and by newly renovated buildings and a clean environment.
cafes. Visitors seeking meals must either bring their own However, during the authors’ autumn 2021 visit, an absence
food or travel 4 km to an industrial area. of activities, including cultural and commercial events, was
observed. Even the exhibition hall dedicated to showcasing
4. Social perceptions through interview the “Qingqian Model” was closed. Without professional
analysis knowledge or enthusiasm for traditional architecture, the
village may appear quiet and somewhat dull, offering little
As previously discussed, the three villages in Shunde beyond a brief visit of 1 or 2 h.
are undergoing rural revitalization in distinct manners,
with each reaping unique benefits and facing specific 4.1.3. Local villagers’ perception
problems. In this section, the authors meticulously analyze Local villagers also benefit from the comprehensive
the implications of social elite involvement in rural repair and improvement of historical buildings and
revitalization to enhance comprehension. The ensuing infrastructure, which enhances their sense of belonging
statistical analysis drew upon a compilation of interviews and living comfort. However, villagers express frustration
with various stakeholders conducted during the field at being sidelined during the rural revitalization process,
investigations. This approach aims to provide a holistic citing a lack of measures to provide sustainable income for
understanding of the social perception of each model. their development.

4.1. Issues of the “Qingtian Model” led by 4.1.4. Findings
government elites
The success or failure of rural revitalization rests on the
4.1.1. Government elites’ perception same factor—the “Qingtian Model” led by government

In the top-down approach of the “Qingtian Model,” elites. While initial government policies appear promising,
government elites view measures such as comprehensive their implementation tends to become formalized and

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2940