Page 79 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Elite involvement in rural revitalization

recommendations for the engagement of the social elite in 5.5. Establishing a win-win mechanism between
rural revitalization. It is hoped that this study will not only villagers and social elites
inspire further exploration into rural revitalization but also Establishing a win-win mechanism is imperative for
serve as a reference for the social elite’s intervention, ultimately fostering a healthy relationship and sustainable interaction
contributing to the rejuvenation of rural areas in China.
between the social elite and community residents (Yue
5.1. Multi-stakeholder collaboration with local & Cheng, 2016). Based on the principle of “knowledge
villagers as the main participants cultivation,” social elites can utilize their social capital
and knowledge resources to bridge the community with
Engaging in rural revitalization inevitably brings forth the market, aiming to achieve a win-win situation rather
various demands and beliefs from each stakeholder, often
leading to conflicts of interest (Li & He, 2022). To address than a zero-sum game. Consequently, villagers reap the
these challenges, all parties must exercise subjective rewards of “protecting rural ecology, solving life problems,
initiatives in cooperative construction, establishing a and even getting rich,” thereby further stimulating their
balanced structure where the villagers take center stage, subjective initiative (Li & Shi, 2021).
government elites guide the process, capital elites fund Acknowledgments
initiatives, and intellectual elites contribute knowledge
(He, 2012). Despite encountering agreement, opposition, Special thanks to Ms. Baoyi Ling and Mr. Guanhui Liao
unity, and disagreement, consensus can be reached, from Zuotan Village for their help during the authors’ field
with the villagers’ needs prioritized above art or capital investigation.
considerations.
Funding
5.2. Tracing back to the authentic culture of the
village None.
Government-led rural beautification often focuses on Conflict of interest
exterior esthetics or Instagram-worthy appearances, The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
neglecting deeper cultural elements (Zhang & Zhang,
2021). True rural revitalization involves more than Author contributions
physical renovation; it necessitates the reconstruction of a
spiritual home rooted in the discovery and interpretation Conceptualization: All authors
of authentic cultural tradition (Liu, 2017). Formal analysis: All authors
Investigation: All authors
5.3. Clear planning vision Methodology: All authors
External social elites require a clear planning vision for Writing: original draft: Yixin Tao
rural revitalization (Yang, 2014). Drawing from research Writing- review & editing: Xiao Liu
on community resources and global experiences, social Ethics approval and consent to participate
elites should formulate forward-looking plans aligned with
the village’s actual circumstances. Clear planning vision Not applicable.
stems from establishing a healthy “relationship with the
villagers.” (Dou, 2015) Consent for publication

5.4. Knowledge cultivation Not applicable.
Social elites should provide knowledge support and activity Availability of data
guidance, including knowledge training and assistance, to the The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings
villagers in order to gradually establish close and continuous
interaction with them, and ultimately be accepted by of this study are available within the article.
them. Only through this process can villagers who receive Further disclosure
professional, systematic training provide better services,
thereby enhancing the tourist experience. In addition, All images have no copyright disputes.
imperceptible knowledge cultivation enables local villagers
to re-understand and recognize the value of the village they References
live in, further stimulating their enthusiasm to participate in Dou, X. W. (2015). How does the community move up?
its revitalization and development (Gao & Ji, 2018). Dushu, 37(9):129-136.

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2940