Page 92 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Anthropological observation of Lizhuang

for preserving localities in other historical towns in China to be used. In addition, all interviewees remained
that are in the early stages of tourism development. anonymous.
Furthermore, based on Relph’s theory of placelessness, Availability of data
this study innovatively identifies four specific manifestations
of placelessness in Lizhuang: homogenization of The data used in this study are confidential due to ethical
architectural style, lack of authenticity in local attitudes, clearance requirements and to protect the privacy of the
mass cultural dissemination, and weakening of historical interviewees.
atmosphere and educational significance. Identifying these
manifestations of placelessness can serve as a warning to References
other tourist towns in China, highlighting the potential Bai, K., Hu, X. Y., Lü, Y. Y., & Du, T. (2017). Lijiang Gucheng
consequences of placelessness during tourism development. manhuo difangxing de chengxian yu xingcheng [Study on
In addition, the article discusses relocalization the identity with placeness of slow living in Lijiang]. Dili
measures currently being officially implemented in Xuebao, 72(6):1104-1117. [Article in Chinese]
Lizhuang, questioning whether these initiatives benefit https://doi.org/CNKI: SUN.0.2017-06-013
both local residents and tourists. This poses a challenge to Caliandro, A. (2018). Digital methods for ethnography:
government agencies involved in historical town tourism Analytical concepts for ethnographers exploring social
development: how to incorporate local voices and balance media environments. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography,
tourism growth with the preservation of local culture – a 47(5):551-578.
critical issue that requires urgent attention.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0891241617702960
Finally, Lizhuang’s experience demonstrates that
effective strategies can help preserve a place identity, Chark, R. (2021). Midnight in Paris: On heritage and nostalgia.
Annals of Tourism Research, 90:103266.
offering a model for other historical towns seeking to
maintain their uniqueness amid tourism expansion. By https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2021.103266
emphasizing Lizhuang’s local experience, the town can Dans, E. P., & Alonso González, P. (2019). Sustainable tourism and
retain its local characteristics, serving as an example for social value at world heritage sites: Towards a conservation
other historical towns to preserve their cultural heritage plan for Altamira, Spain. Annals of Tourism Research, 74:68-80.
while adapting to tourism-driven changes.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2018.10.011
Acknowledgments Feng, D., Huang, Q. Y., & Huang, F. D. (2023). Zhongguo
Yingzaoxueshe xinan bian nian shi ji (1941-1946)-Lizhuang
Thank Lizhuang for allowing me to conduct my research [Chronicle of the society for research in chinese architecture
and to all the interviewees who generously shared their in Southwest China (1941-1946)-Lizhuang]. Jianzhushi
time and kindness during my fieldwork. Xuekan, 2023(3):68-77. [Article in Chinese]

Funding https://doi.org/cnki: sun.0.2023-03-005
None. He, H. L., & Cai, X. M. (2014). Guowai wu difang yu fei difang
yanjiu jinzhan yu qishi [Progress and implications of
Conflict of interest research on placelessness and non-place abroad]. Renwen
Dili, 29(6):47-52, 31. [Article in Chinese]
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
https://doi.org/10.13959/j.issn.1003-2398.2014.06.008.
Author contributions Heyman, J. M. (1994). Changes in house construction materials

This is a single-authored article. in border Mexico: Four research propositions about
commoditization. Human Organization, 53(2):132–142.
Ethics approval and consent to participate Hu, X. Y., & Bai, K. (2015). Lasa Bakuo Jie difangxing de youke

In this study, informed consent was obtained through a rentong jiangou [Tourist identity construction of placeness
verbal presentation and explanation, and all respondents in Barkhor Street, Lhasa]. Dili Xuebao, 70(10):1632-1649.
agreed to it before the interview began. [Article in Chinese]
https://doi.org/cnki: sun.0.2015-10-009
Consent for publication
Jacobs, A., & Appleyard, D. (1987). Toward an urban design
Verbal consent was obtained from all interviewees, who manifesto. Journal of the American Planning Association,
also granted permission for their words and statements 53(1):112–120.

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 13 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4876