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Influence of cultural heritage protection on high-quality economic development

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  • Zhang, Luxin

Abstract

The relationship between cultural heritage protection and economic development remains incompletely understood, especially regarding the mechanisms through which heritage resources contribute to sustainable growth. This study investigates how cultural heritage protection drives high-quality economic development in China, using provincial data from 2010–2021. Through econometric analyses, the research reveals that heritage protection enhances economic development both directly and indirectly, with tourism mediating 23% of the total effect. Human capital strengthens this relationship, as regions with higher education levels show greater heritage-driven development. Central-western provinces benefit more from cultural heritage than eastern ones, while areas outside the Yangtze River Economic Belt show stronger positive effects than those within. The findings support integrated policies combining cultural preservation with human capital investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Luxin, 2025. "Influence of cultural heritage protection on high-quality economic development," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:76:y:2025:i:c:s1544612325001965
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.106932
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cultural heritage protection; High-quality economic development; Tourism mediation; Human capital moderation; Regional heterogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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