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

a result, the public’s comprehension of traditional culture aiming to create an old-city esthetic. The government
is gradually becoming blurred, depriving cultural heritage views this approach as a valuable tool for placemaking,
of authenticity and integrity. This shift exacerbates issues revitalizing, and modernizing historical and cultural
related to the overemphasis on commercial and economic neighborhoods (Hitchcock et al., 2004; Zhang & Lenzer
benefits (Hung et al., 2017; Wang, 2017; Su, 2018). For Jr., 2020). However, the Venice Charter (1964) emphasizes
instance, the commercialization project in Beijing’s the critical importance of authenticity through its 16
historic Nanluoguxiang area, driven by local government principles, particularly Article 7, which clearly states
intervention, led to a steep rise in private rents and real that monuments and their historical and environmental
estate values. This long-term trend disrupted the daily life contexts are inseparable (ICOMOS, 1964). Similarly, the
of local residents. Some local residents, attracted by the ICOMOS Australia Burra Charter (1976) notes that the
immediate economic benefits, have voluntarily given up original location of a heritage site is a vital component of its
the intrinsic value of their heritage (Shin, 2010). cultural significance (Australia ICOMOS, 1976). In some
cases, cities have indiscriminately constructed buildings on
Xu et al. (2014) argue that Western models of heritage sites not verified as authentic relics in an attempt to recreate
authenticity and conservation management systems historical esthetics. While this approach attracts tourists, it
are not entirely suitable for direct adaptation or use as a raises concerns about the authenticity and cultural value of
reference in the Chinese context of heritage conservation. these heritage sites (Farrelly et al., 2019). For instance, the
Relying too heavily on these models can lead to a rigid and Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng County, Zhengzhou, a World
narrow approach to heritage conservation. This assertion Heritage Site, has become a popular tourist attraction due
highlights the challenges of directly integrating Western to its depiction in the media. However, the influx of tourists
models with China’s regional culture and historical has led to the commercialization of the temple, with various
background, especially in practical applications. First, in business models related to religion and performances,
terms of conservation planning mechanisms, the West raising concerns about the authenticity of traditional
emphasizes a heritage protection planning system with culture. The commercial aspects have also transformed
specific site-based planning tools that enhance certainty the role of religious practitioners, such as monks, who
about the historical environment. In contrast, China are now perceived as tourist laborers or performers. This
focuses more on form- and action-oriented approaches. shift has caused the general public to question the temple’s
In terms of materials and restoration, Western models religious value and authenticity. The growing demand for
prioritize the preservation of the original physical commercial and recreational facilities has prompted local
structure and surrounding environment of historical sites, governments to collaborate closely with tourism operators
while China emphasizes esthetics and spatial development. for urban renewal (Zhao et al., 2020). In this context,
When it comes to utilization and social benefits, Western the Chinese government’s heritage conservation strategy
approaches focus more on maintaining the authenticity and typically employs the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
integrity of the historical environment, reducing the direct as a method to develop recreational and leisure projects,
impact of commercial interests on heritage conservation. with a focus on commercial and economic interests (Gao
On the contrary, China places greater emphasis on heritage et al., 2020; Zhang, 2008; Zhao et al., 2020).
tourism and the commercial use of heritage (Chen et al.,
2021; Dai et al., 2021). As a result, in some areas of China, The historical city of Tianshui in Gansu, which dates
there is a trend toward large-scale imitation of historical back 2700 years ago, once boasted clusters of residential
buildings that lack historical significance, cultural value, or compounds with green bricks, carved beams, and painted
archeological evidence. For example, at Hongcun, a World pillars from the Ming and Qing dynasties. However,
Heritage Site, all buildings were required to adhere to the a restoration and remodeling project costing nearly
Huizhou architectural styles of the Ming (1368 – 1644) RMB ¥900 million is widely regarded as regrettable
(Manbamanzou, 2023). This irreversible destruction of
and Qing (1644 – 1911) dynasties. Modifications were the historical city’s original appearance transformed it into
made to conform to these buildings with traditional styles, a commercial street and tourist destination (Man, 2023;
emphasizing local cultural connotations and providing a Wu, 2023). In the face of experts’ questions and public
legitimate historical narrative (Xu et al., 2014). However, outcry, the relevant authorities have ignored the issue,
this overemphasis on external forms may lead to resource prioritizing short-term economic interests and personal
waste, dilute cultural authenticity, and reduce the public’s desires over heritage preservation (Wang, 2023). This
motivation to explore deeper layers of culture.
situation highlights the inadequacies of the responsible
In certain urban areas, initiatives have emerged to Chinese government authorities in the supervision of
extensively replicate antique and historical buildings, heritage conservation, as they have failed to fulfill their

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