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Cultural Heritages Lead to Less Dense and Greener Cities—Evidence from 371 Chinese Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Zhiyuan Zhang

    (School of Art and Design, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan 430205, China)

  • Ruozhen Cheng

    (Changjiang Survey, Planning, Design and Research Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Yangpeng Dan

    (College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Luyao Wang

    (College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430010, China)

Abstract

Cultural heritage sites play a significant role in shaping urban development, yet their impact on key urban outcomes remains underexplored. This study investigates how the number and proximity of heritage sites influence development through an analysis across 371 Chinese cities. Using a range of urban metrics, including population density, building height, urban form complexity, and green space accessibility, we find that cities with more heritage sites tend to exhibit lower population density (−0.168) and building height (−0.0314), respectively. These cities also show more complex urban forms and irregular city layouts, potentially caused by heritage preservations. We also analyze the impact of heritage sites on green accessibility, revealing that cities with more heritage sites have a higher green area per capita and better access to green spaces. Furthermore, our analysis of urban growth from 2000 to 2020 highlights the positive relationship between heritage sites and population growth (0.223), as well as the potential trade-offs between heritage preservation and GDPPC growth (−0.865). Our findings underscore the positive impacts of cultural heritage on urban development as well as address its potential trade-offs, highlighting the need for urban planning strategies that balance heritage preservation with sustainable growth and equitable access to green spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiyuan Zhang & Ruozhen Cheng & Yangpeng Dan & Luyao Wang, 2025. "Cultural Heritages Lead to Less Dense and Greener Cities—Evidence from 371 Chinese Cities," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:177-:d:1568258
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grete Swensen, 2020. "Tensions between Urban Heritage Policy and Compact City Planning – A Practice Review," Planning Practice & Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(5), pages 555-574, October.
    2. Yiqing Zhao & Keyu Jin & Dingqing Zhang & Li Wang & Ji Li & Tianchen Dai, 2024. "Transforming Urban Landscapes: Reuse of Heritage Sites through Multi-Value Interpretations in Xi’an, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Han Zou & Yang Liu & Baihao Li & Wenjing Luo, 2022. "Sustainable Development Efficiency of Cultural Landscape Heritage in Urban Fringe Based on GIS-DEA-MI, a Case Study of Wuhan, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Elif Sarihan & Éva Lovra, 2024. "Uncovering Urban Palimpsest through Descriptive and Analytical Approaches to Urban Morphology—Understanding the Ottoman Urban Fabric of Bursa, Türkiye," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Loes Veldpaus, 2023. "Planning reform and heritage governance," Planning Practice & Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(3), pages 331-339, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiangju Zhang & Zhixuan Huang & Yongsheng Li & Ximei Li, 2025. "Is Tourism Coordinated with the Economy and the Environment in Natural World Heritage Cities in China?," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, March.

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