Developmental Sustainability through Heritage Preservation: Two Chinese Case Studies

Xiao Song, Kee-Cheok Cheong, Qianyi Wang and Yurui Li
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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

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 9, 1-18

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.

Keywords: rural revitalization; rural tourism; heritage preservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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