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

A study of Kulangsu reveals a significant disjunction between official heritage narratives and the perceptions shaped by digital platforms. Official accounts emphasize Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), while user-generated content on platforms like Dianping and Ctrip highlights visual landmarks and 'check-in' practices driven by the 'digital gaze.' This divergence underscores the dynamic nature of sense of place, co-constructed through pre-visit expectations, on-site experiences, and post-visit reflections. The research also demonstrates a shift in tourists' roles from passive consumers to active participants in heritage value creation, mediated by digital platforms. The findings advocate for integrating official narratives with user-generated content to strengthen OUV communication, enhance public engagement, and support sustainable development of World Heritage Sites.

Wei, H., Zhang, W., Sang, X., Zhou, M., & Kang, S. (2025). Disjunction Between Official Narrative and Digital Gaze: The Evolution of Sense of Place in Kulangsu World Heritage Site. Sustainability, 17(20), 9191. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209191