Comparing landscape values and heritage stakeholders: a case study of West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, China

A comparative analysis of perspectives on the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou reveals significant discrepancies between international experts and local stakeholders, including Chinese heritage professionals, residents, and tourists. International experts often overlooked the nuanced cultural values articulated by Chinese authorities due to differences in historical, philosophical, and heritage value systems. Meanwhile, tourists and locals linked traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural values to personal emotions and experiences, enriching the discourse on social heritage value. This study underscores the importance of integrating diverse stakeholder knowledge in UNESCO World Heritage nomination processes to ensure comprehensive and culturally sensitive evaluations.

Zhang, R., & Brown, S. (2022). Comparing landscape values and heritage stakeholders: a case study of West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, China. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 29(2), 184–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2022.2038142