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Disjunction Between Official Narrative and Digital Gaze: The Evolution of Sense of Place in Kulangsu World Heritage Site

Author

Listed:
  • Hanbin Wei

    (School of Architecture, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China)

  • Wanjia Zhang

    (School of Architecture, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China)

  • Xiaolei Sang

    (School of Architecture, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China)

  • Mengru Zhou

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China)

  • Sunju Kang

    (Department of Architecture, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The rise of digital platforms has transformed heritage interpretation from a single official narrative to multi-stakeholder participation. This study investigates how such platforms mediate the formation of a sense of place at the Kulangsu World Heritage Site (WHS). Data were collected from official narrative texts and user-generated content (UGC) on Dianping and Ctrip, and analyzed using high-frequency word statistics and semantic network analysis. The results reveal a clear divergence between official narratives, which emphasize Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), and tourist perceptions, which focus on visual landmarks and “check-in” practices shaped by the “digital gaze.” Moreover, the sense of place is shown to be a dynamic process, co-constructed through pre-visit expectations, on-site experiences, and post-visit reflections. The findings also highlight a transformation in tourists’ roles, shifting from passive cultural consumers to active participants in the co-construction of heritage values, with digital platforms serving as critical mediators. Theoretically, the study advances digital heritage scholarship by clarifying the mechanism of the digital gaze and the dynamic nature of sense of place. Practically, it underscores the importance of integrating official narratives with UGC to strengthen OUV communication, foster broader public engagement, and support the sustainable development of WHSs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanbin Wei & Wanjia Zhang & Xiaolei Sang & Mengru Zhou & Sunju Kang, 2025. "Disjunction Between Official Narrative and Digital Gaze: The Evolution of Sense of Place in Kulangsu World Heritage Site," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-26, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9191-:d:1773044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sifeng Nian & Donghe Li & Jie Zhang & Song Lu & Xiaowan Zhang, 2023. "Stimulus-Organism-Response Framework: Is the Perceived Outstanding Universal Value Attractiveness of Tourists Beneficial to World Heritage Site Conservation?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Yanyan Gao & Mengyun Fang & Yongqing Nan & Wei Su, 2023. "World Heritage Site inscription and city tourism attractiveness on national holidays: new evidence with migration big data from China," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(12), pages 1956-1973, June.
    3. Junxia Yan & Jiaheng Yue & Jianfeng Zhang & Peng Qin, 2023. "Research on Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Tourists’ Landscape Perception and Emotional Experience by Using Photo Data Mining," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Sifeng Nian & Honglei Zhang & Ling Mao & Wenjing Zhao & Hui Zhang & Youhai Lu & Yingying Zhang & Yifan Xu, 2019. "How Outstanding Universal Value, Service Quality and Place Attachment Influences Tourist Intention Towards World Heritage Conservation: A Case Study of Mount Sanqingshan National Park, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, June.
    5. Sonia Malvica & Valentina Arru & Nicoletta Pinna & Andreea Andra-Topârceanu & Donatella Carboni, 2025. "Stintino (Sardinia, Italy): A Destination Balancing Tourist Gaze and Local Heritage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-26, June.
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    7. Hanbin Wei & Mengru Zhou & Sunju Kang & Jiahao Zhang, 2022. "Sense of Place of Heritage Conservation Districts under the Tourist Gaze—Case of the Shichahai Heritage Conservation District," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-15, August.
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