Transforming Urban Landscapes: Reuse of Heritage Sites through Multi-Value Interpretations in Xi’an, China

Yiqing Zhao, Keyu Jin, Dingqing Zhang (), Li Wang, Ji Li and Tianchen Dai
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Yiqing Zhao: School of Humanities and Social Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Keyu Jin: Shanghai Museum, Shanghai 200003, China
Dingqing Zhang: School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Li Wang: School of Humanities and Social Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Ji Li: School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China
Tianchen Dai: International School of Design, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: As a catalyst for urban landscape transformation, the reuse of heritage sites plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary urban spaces and influencing socio-economic development. However, this phenomenon is not without controversy, particularly regarding the quality of preservation and the potential risks associated with over-commodification. Consequently, there has been an increasing research focus on reconciling these conflicting aspects. This study employs a multi-value interpretation framework to delve into the reuse of heritage sites in the urban area of Xi’an within the broader context of China’s urbanization. Utilizing a comparative case study method, this research specifically examines the burgeoning phenomenon of heritage parks. This exploration sheds light on how the reuse of heritage intertwines with urbanization processes, by taking into account environmental, economic, social, and cultural values. The findings suggest that a multi-value interpretation framework is crucial to address the limitations of the current heritagization. Heritage sites in Xi’an have been integrated into the urban transformation process through heritage conservation and the production of new heritage spaces. However, the evolving multi-value evaluation of these heritage sites continues to influence the city’s interpretation of its significant and fading past in planning. This study highlights the dynamic nature of heritage sites in the urban context and underscores the need for nuanced approaches to balance heritage preservation with the evolving demands of contemporary urban development.

Keywords: urban landscape transformation; heritage sites; heritagization; multi-value; Xi’an (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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