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Developmental Sustainability through Heritage Preservation: Two Chinese Case Studies

Author

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  • Xiao Song

    (Cultural Center Malaysia, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Kee-Cheok Cheong

    (Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Qianyi Wang

    (Economic School, Shandong Technology and Business University, Yantai 264000, China)

  • Yurui Li

    (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 1000200, China
    Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 1000200, China)

Abstract

Cultural heritage is a vital part of a society’s existence. This role has particular relevance for China, with arguably one of the largest stocks of cultural assets, tangible and intangible, in the world. Recognizing the tension between cultural preservation and economic development as a general context, this paper examines the specific additional challenges China faces in its rush towards economic development. In providing both generic and China-specific contexts, this paper has as its objective to understand how Chinese policy-makers, both central and local, attempt to resolve the contest between cultural preservation and economic development, specifically rural rejuvenation. Through two case studies—of Lijiang in Yunnan province and Rizhao in Shandong province—this paper shows contrasting strategies to leverage local intangible cultural assets. Comparing these strategies reveals both the advantages and challenges inherent in each. A successful strategy captures the benefits of cultural tourism while minimizing its costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiao Song & Kee-Cheok Cheong & Qianyi Wang & Yurui Li, 2020. "Developmental Sustainability through Heritage Preservation: Two Chinese Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:9:p:3705-:d:353659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Muyan Tang & Hongzhang Xu, 2023. "Cultural Integration and Rural Tourism Development: A Scoping Literature Review," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Dawei Li & Shangyi Zhou, 2021. "Evaluating the Authenticity of Naxi Music in Three Stages from the Perspective of Naxi Musicians: An Application of Lacan’s Mirror Stage Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Zijie Zhou & Xin Zheng, 2022. "A Cultural Route Perspective on Rural Revitalization of Traditional Villages: A Case Study from Chishui, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Jin Yang & Lei Wang & Sheng Wei, 2022. "Spatial Variation and Its Local Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage Development along the Grand Canal in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-18, December.

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