Rethinking authenticity in the implementation of China's heritage conservation: the case of Hongcun Village

Hongcun Village's heritage conservation efforts reflect the challenges of applying Western-derived authenticity principles to local cultural contexts, often leading to unintended consequences. The study reveals that current practices prioritize material and static preservation, neglecting non-material heritage like local crafts and folk arts. Using social constructionism theory, it highlights how power dynamics shape these processes, advocating for greater integration of local voices to align conservation goals with authentic community needs.

Xu, H., Wan, X., & Fan, X. (2014). Rethinking authenticity in the implementation of China’s heritage conservation: the case of Hongcun Village. Tourism Geographies, 16(5), 799–811. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2014.963662