Page 85 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Anthropological observation of Lizhuang

existing tourism localization processes, it provides a each night. To further promote the nighttime economy, the
comprehensive understanding of how tourism shapes government implemented a lighting plan and increased
Lizhuang’s locality (Figure 2). investment in lighting infrastructure, transforming the
nighttime environment to enhance visitor experience and
3.1. Leadership of capital authority stimulate consumer spending.
The influence of capital authority in Lizhuang’s historical This year, when the lanterns were turned on at
town is reflected in its government-led development and night (Moonfield Lantern Festival), many people
institutional embeddedness. came to see the lanterns and take photos. We

3.1.1. Government-led development locals all go to the Lantern Festival and use it as a
place to relax and walk in the evening. (LZ04)
Throughout the development of Lizhuang historical town,
the government has implemented multiple reforms and The development of the nighttime economy has
restructuring efforts. At present, the Lizhuang Historical undoubtedly boosted the popularity of Lizhuang’s
Town Scenic Area Management Committee (hereafter historical town. More importantly, it has addressed the
long-standing challenge of short-stay tourism, often
referred to as “the Committee”) oversees the entire town,
including the Moonfield scenic area and the core area. The described as a “half-day tour” phenomenon, where visitors
Committee operates as a county-level administrative body previously spent only a few hours in the town before
under the Yibin City Government. Previously, the Lizhuang leaving. By extending tourist engagement into the evening,
Historical Town Scenic Area Administration, a subordinate Lizhuang has improved its ability to retain tourists
overnight. In addition, the nighttime light show provides
office of the Cuiping District Government, managed the local residents with an enhanced public space for evening
town’s core tourism area. However, in 2020, Yibin city leisure and social activities.
announced a ¥2.5 billion investment in the Moonfield
scenic area, necessitating a higher-level administrative 3.1.2. Institutional embedding
body. Consequently, the Committee was established by
selecting officials from various Yibin government agencies. Institutional mechanisms are deeply embedded in the
restoration and protection of historical buildings in the
“The city government regarded this place core area and the regulation of commercial esthetics in
(Moonfield scenic area) as very important, the Moonfield scenic area. The new architectural design
the construction was government-led, and at integrates Lizhuang’s traditional culture, ensuring that the
the same time, we (Scenic Area Management town’s historical character is preserved. In 2003, the School
Committee) were specially organized. Of course, of Urban Planning at Tongji University developed a master
there was a management body before.” (GW08) plan for the core area, stipulating that historical buildings
As a government-led cultural industry project, the could only be repaired and not dismantled or rebuilt.
Moonfield scenic area has actively developed its nighttime This policy has preserved the historical features of streets
economy. On December 17, 2021, the Yibin Power Supply such as Xizi Lane and Sheep Street, which are now among
Company completed the Lizhuang power distribution Lizhuang’s most attractive cultural landmarks.
project, enabling nighttime light shows. During the 2021 “The reason the core area is well preserved
Lunar New Year (January 1 – 7), Moonfield hosted evening is because of the Tongji University Planning
events, including a lantern festival from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Institute’s master plan. For example, Xizi Lane

Figure 2. The process of localization construction in Lizhuang
Source: Diagram by the author.

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4876