Astride Tradition and Modernity: Rizhao as China’s Urban Future?

Xiao Song (), Qianyi Wang (), Ku Wing Cheong () and Kee Cheok Cheong ()
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Xiao Song: Cultural Centre, University of Malaya
Qianyi Wang: School of Economics, Shandong Technology and Business University
Ku Wing Cheong: Cultural Centre, University of Malaya
Kee Cheok Cheong: Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya

Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies, 2020, vol. 57, issue 1, 147-165

Abstract: Located in an area of great antiquity, Rizhao, a prefectural city of 3 million in China’s Shandong province, is both a victim and beneficiary of its long history. When China liberalised in 1978, many industries locating in Shandong brought environmental devastation. However, its antiquity endowed the area with a rich cultural heritage ripe for tourism as an alternative “pillar industry†to other economic pursuits. The city’s fame as having the most sunny days in China not only helped tourism but also promotes the use of solar energy. However, its success in the midst of highly competitive neighbouring cities is not coincidental. Credit must go to city planning and the city government which seeks to capitalise on its “green†credentials and historical legacy to augment its traditional strategy of becoming a coastal marine industry base, regional logistical centre, and marine technology zone. Whether this model represents China’s urban future remains to be seen; it has nevertheless many features superior to many cities in China.

Keywords: Intangible cultural heritage; marine industry; solar energy; urban development; spatial planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J21 N75 N95 O13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:mjr:journl:v:57:y:2020:i:1:p:147-165

DOI: 10.22452/MJES.vol57no1.8

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