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

Table 9. Residents’ perception of the effectiveness of Guancheng municipal government’s existing urban heritage conservation
strategies
Strategies N Minimum value (M) Maximum value (X) Mean (E) Standard deviation
Overall planning and coordination of heritage conservation 294 1.00 4.60 2.515 0.52355
Execution for conservation of heritage sites and sustainable 294 1.25 4.50 2.917 0.46576
community development
Restoration, maintenance, and management of heritage sites 294 2.00 4.75 3.278 0.47056
Education 294 2.00 5.00 3.199 0.49510
Cultural urban branding and promotion for economic 294 1.33 5.00 3.274 0.63425
development

urban development plans and economic goals, often by revealed a passive approach to heritage education in the
reimagining and redefining the space of these sites (Wang Guancheng district. Apart from learning through visiting
& Aoki, 2019). While these strategies may offer potential the Shang Dynasty Capital Museum, local community-
opportunities for regional growth, mindful consideration based educational activities are rather limited. Existing
is vital to balance the preservation of local cultural heritage educational programs are primarily confined to primary
with the promotion of urban economic development. and secondary schools in the Guancheng district, and the
Heritage should serve as the cornerstone of community frequency of these teaching sessions requires advanced
development, and as a common narrative for society and arrangements with the schools. Furthermore, the idea
residents, conveying a unified notion of the past and its of educational museum tours has not yet been widely
values, thereby enhancing social cohesion. Cultural heritage promoted among local residents.
is tangible evidence of a community’s spirit and historical Resident feedback and public opinion are crucial
lineage (Giaccardi & Palen, 2008), and it requires active as they reflect emotional connections to culture and
protection and maintenance by the community. Heritage traditions, fostering a strong sense of belonging and
plays a critical role in shaping local identity and cultural support for heritage conservation. However, observed
heritage (Giaccardi & Palen, 2008; Nitzky, 2013). Mann indifference among Guancheng residents indicates a lack
(2014) has described a community as a geographically of enthusiasm for heritage conservation, which may signal
specific social unit where members support one another. broader societal issues. Therefore, it is the government’s
Such specific units often share common characteristics, responsibility to actively create more opportunities
using heritage as a medium to foster positive interactions and flexible approaches to ignite public enthusiasm
and develop a shared identity (Anderson, 2020; Li & and ensure residents’ active involvement. Establishing
Hunter, 2015){Anderson, 2020 #138}. For example, in effective communication channels and respecting public
George Town, Penang, Malaysia, the Chinese community suggestions are essential. The need for these measures
actively participates in preserving the area’s early Chinese emphasizes the importance of government officials
architectural and cultural heritage, taking pride in their promptly addressing public concerns and facilitating
history and culture, which connects them to their past (Chng democratic discussions and problem-solving procedures
& Narayanan, 2017). Therefore, heritage conservation efforts (Nanz & Dalferth, 2007). By transparently and actively
should be viewed as a cultural process, a platform for dialog, incorporating residents’ desires and interests into official
and a way to express residents’ nostalgic sentiments, as well proposals and plans, the government can foster further
as to preserve local beliefs, values, and attachments (Wang collaboration and negotiation, positively impacting its
& Aoki, 2019). However, in the Guancheng district, the agenda (Li et al., 2020). Residents can serve as local
master planning and coordination of heritage conservation consultants, providing essential insights based on their
still heavily rely on government agencies, driven by top- life experiences, living environments, and conditions (Li
down planning and management. This approach grants the et al., 2020), forming a sustainable loop of discussion
government absolute power over the process, resulting in and communication. At the same time, it is important to
limited public support and participation, which undermines reduce unnecessary upward reporting processes, accept
the practicality and efficacy of urban heritage conservation public oversight, and move beyond limiting participation
efforts in the Guancheng district. to voting or exposing decision-making details directly
Establishing local cultural values is essential for heritage to the public (Catt & Murphy, 2003; Nanz & Dalferth,
education (Roslan et al., 2021). Nonetheless, the study 2007). In addition, government officials should enhance

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 15 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3421