Urban entrepreneurialism and the commodification of heritage in China

Lijiang Old Town exemplifies the complex interplay between urban entrepreneurialism and heritage commodification. The study identifies three markets—tourist, real estate, and capital—that facilitate profit extraction from urban heritage, reflecting innovative strategies by local governments to enhance competitiveness. While ruling elites and local governments benefit disproportionately from tourist revenues, demographic displacement reveals the broader social implications of these economic dynamics. This analysis underscores how political control and capital accumulation intersect with individual choices in the context of heritage preservation.

Su, X. (2014). Urban entrepreneurialism and the commodification of heritage in China. Urban Studies, 52(15), 2874–2889. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098014528998