Is colonial heritage negative or not so much? Debating heritage discourses and selective interpretation of Kulangsu, China

Colonial heritage, particularly in postcolonial nations, is not inherently negative according to a study on Kulangsu, a historic international settlement in Xiamen, China. The research reveals that while the authorized heritage discourse (AHD) promoted by local authorities and the perceptions of tourists are not necessarily negative when considering the site's colonial history, there exists an implicit tension between tourists' demand for comprehensive information and the authorities' selective interpretation. Most tourists seek more complete and neutral narratives to form their own conceptions of colonial legacies, highlighting a power imbalance that necessitates rethinking heritage tourism and conservation practices. This study underscores the need for critical reflection on the legitimacy of selective interpretation in heritage discourse.

Wei, R., & Wang, F. (2022). Is colonial heritage negative or not so much? Debating heritage discourses and selective interpretation of Kulangsu, China. Built Heritage, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-022-00069-7