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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Residents’ perspectives on heritage strategies

and local cultural resilience (Fabbricatti et al., 2020; of heritage, focusing mainly on preserving external
Holtorf, 2018). appearances while neglecting the safety and quality of
Recognizing cultural heritage as integral to community the internal structure (Xu et al., 2014). Furthermore, it
and local development, heritage conservation is viewed exacerbates the fragmentation of the urban landscape and
the vulnerability of heritage, as traditional historical spaces
as a system that unites communities. Protective measures
enhance social cohesion and well-being, laying the are eroded by modern architecture, posing a serious threat
foundation for structured local development (Carrà, 2016; to the city’s cultural fabric and local characteristics (Jiang
Nocca, 2017). Public and social participation is central et al., 2022).
to this process (Nitzky, 2013). Effective participation China’s top-down heritage management tends to
is seen as critical for the sustainable management and incorporate economic development considerations into
development of heritage (Landorf, 2009). The 2011 heritage conservation plans and urban management
UNESCO Recommendation on the Historic Urban strategies (Fan, 2014). The government views heritage
Landscape points out that community involvement is an as an economic asset, serving as both a tourist attraction
essential tool in heritage management practices (Taylor, and a potential investment opportunity (Zhu, 2018).
2016; UNESCO, 2011). In addition, the Operational However, if not managed mindfully, this approach can
Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage lead to the commercialization of heritage assets, thereby
Convention emphasize the importance of involving various undermining the authenticity and sustainability of urban
stakeholders in heritage identification and protection, heritage conservation (Su, 2010). Moreover, the lack of
taking into account the needs of local communities and public involvement and transparency in local planning
the public (Bruku, 2015; UNESCO, 2012). Although recent and execution processes alienates the public from the
case studies and discussions in China have addressed these strategies employed for local heritage conservation, further
issues (Li et al., 2020; Wei, 2022), Chinese authorities weakening their effectiveness.
remain relatively cautious in their conservation approaches This research focuses on demonstrating that local
(Zhou et al., 2023). This caution can be attributed to residents are not only protectors but also key stakeholders
two reasons. First, China’s heritage conservation system in local cultural heritage conservation. They have a direct
emphasizes the centralization of state authority, granting connection with local identity, a sense of belonging, and
the government significant power to intervene in decision- the ownership and guardianship of heritage (Borona &
making (Fan, 2014). Heritage conservation in China is Ndiema, 2014; Poulios, 2014). Abdul Aziz et al. (2023)
largely government-led and often used as a powerful have noted that the success of heritage conservation
tool to establish social identity and enhance national largely depends on local residents’ understanding and
self-confidence (Maags, 2021; Zhu, 2018). Second, urban participation in preserving heritage values. Residents are
heritage conservation is heavily influenced by the priorities significant interpreters and conveyors of their heritage’s
or concerns of top national leaders, often resulting in the values, playing a crucial role in fostering cultural continuity
elites prioritizing their own values over broad concerns. and enhancing social cohesion (Petti et al., 2020).
This influence can lead to economic or political projects
being disguised as heritage conservation initiatives. To look into the effectiveness and outreach of local
urban heritage conservation strategies in China, this
According to Smith (2002), urban elites often engage article takes the Guancheng district in Zhengzhou, Henan,
in cultural heritage preservation, ostensibly to protect China, as a case study. Situated in the central urban area
cultural legacies. However, in reality, they tend to promote of Zhengzhou, the Guancheng district has preserved a
the values and political agendas of the upper classes. wealth of historical heritage. The effectiveness of heritage
Local heritage is frequently leveraged as an asset to attract conservation efforts relies on local support and the active
tourists and foster economic growth, often at the cost of participation of relevant stakeholders, particularly local
the integrity of local history and the living environments residents. Their perspective serves as a key indicator of the
of local residents (Prideaux & Timothy, 2013; Timothy & effectiveness of conservation initiatives (Gao et al., 2022).
Prideaux, 2004). These efforts are often driven by a desire for However, there is limited systematic research investigating
excellence in performance during their leadership tenures and analyzing the perspectives of local residents, especially
and opportunities for political advancement (Fan, 2014; concerning their satisfaction with or attitudes toward
Su, 2010). As a result, heritage is often seen or leveraged as the strategies adopted by the Chinese government to
a means of economic development rather than valued and conserve local heritage assets. To address this gap, this
protected for its own sake (Su, 2010). This approach can study begins by interviewing local heritage conservation
damage the physical originality and historical authenticity experts, scholars, and management personnel or officers

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3421