An HUL Assessment for Small Cultural Heritage Sites in Urban Areas: Framework, Methodology, and Empirical Research

Shiyang Zhang (), Haochen Sun, Muye Jiang and Jingrui Zhao
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Shiyang Zhang: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Haochen Sun: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Muye Jiang: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Jingrui Zhao: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-21

Abstract: The research is grounded in the perspective of urban historical landscape (HUL), exploring the connections between cultural heritage and a broader urban context, as well as the general public and communities. It also focuses on small cultural heritage sites (SCHSs) in urban areas that have been overlooked in previous studies. By integrating various types of data, an assessment framework and methodology comprising six dimensions and 24 indicators were established and applied to the empirical research of 30 SCHSs in the Beijing section of the Grand Canal. The empirical research demonstrated the operability, effectiveness, and flexibility of the HUL assessment for SCHSs. The research findings are as follows. (1) The method provides differentiated recommendations for the formulation of tailored policies and planning management schemes based on heritage types, conservation levels, and the urban districts in which they are located. (2) The comprehensive quality of the open spaces where SCHSs are situated is critical for the cognition of the general public and community residents. (3) The overall conservation of the community areas containing SCHSs is highly significant, and the linkage between social development levels and cultural resources enhances public cognition of the SCHSs. (4) Cluster analysis offers guidance for the refined improvement of different SCHSs. The research aims to establish an action-oriented assessment framework, with a dimensional framework responding to the requirements of HULs and allowing for indicator flexibility. This study is significant for supporting the conservation and utilization of SCHSs in urban areas and for promoting their sustainable development.

Keywords: small cultural heritage sites; historical urban landscape; conservation and utilization; action-oriented assessment; the Grand Canal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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