Cultural landscape meanings. The case of West Lake, Hangzhou, China

The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou reflects complex cultural meanings that diverge between international heritage agencies and Chinese perspectives. While Western conservation approaches often prioritize universal values, the study reveals that Chinese interpretations emphasize local identity, historical continuity, and emotional connections to the landscape. International bodies like UNESCO and ICOMOS, alongside Chinese stakeholders involved in its 2011 nomination process, may underestimate these nuanced meanings. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists perceive the site not just as a tourist attraction but as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that bridge global and local understandings.

Zhang, R., & Taylor, K. (2019). Cultural landscape meanings. The case of West Lake, Hangzhou, China. Landscape Research, 45(2), 164–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2019.1589438