Publications
Folk Culture Tourism Development Strategies Based on RMP Analysis in Traditional Villages: Evidence from Xidi Village, China
A systematic analysis of folk culture tourism development in Xidi Village, China, reveals significant gaps between cultural resources, market demands, and available products, despite overall consistency among these dimensions. Key strategies to bridge these gaps include creating material product systems that emphasize local characteristics, innovating nonmaterial folk cultural experiences, designing attractive tourism routes, and addressing differentiated tourist needs. The study leverages the Resource–Market–Product (RMP) framework, integrating data from a local chronicle, pilot surveys, and online content analysis, to provide actionable insights for sustainable rural tourism and cultural revitalization.
Human-Centered Cultural Heritage Conservation Beyond the Material Paradigm: A Marxian Framework and Evidence from Xidi Village, China
A paradigm shift from material-centered to human-centered cultural heritage conservation is proposed, integrating Marxian theory with collective memory and community agency. The study diagnoses alienating effects of traditional conservation—ossification of practice, reification of social relations, and narrowed human needs—and offers a dynamic framework emphasizing adaptive reuse, knowledge sharing, and ecological wholeness. Using Xidi Village, China, as a case study, the research demonstrates how festivals, rituals, and community governance can reconnect heritage with daily life, collective identity, and social relations without reducing it to static fabric or abstract theory.
Social Entrepreneurship and Community Development in Rural Tourism: Lessons from Community-driven Models in Xidi Ancient Village, Anhui Province, China
Community-driven social entrepreneurship models can effectively foster sustainable rural tourism development, as demonstrated by Xidi Ancient Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anhui Province, China. This study highlights how participatory decision-making, equitable benefit-sharing, and capacity building enhance the sustainability of rural tourism while preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic empowerment. Despite challenges such as limited resources and regulatory constraints, innovative strategies like digital marketing, niche tourism development, and public-private partnerships have bolstered the resilience and scalability of social enterprises in Xidi. The findings underscore the potential for such models to inspire inclusive and sustainable rural tourism initiatives globally.
The Chain Effect of B&B Cluster Driving Tourism Income Increment in Heritage Sites: Economic Multiplier Simulation of LoRa Sensor Network and System Dynamics
Researchers have identified a critical inflection point for home stay cluster density that maximizes tourism revenue while minimizing the decay of heritage integrity, addressing a core challenge in balancing economic development and ecological protection at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This discovery was achieved through a three-in-one technical framework combining LoRa sensor networks, system dynamics modeling, and nonlinear threshold analysis. The study demonstrated that dynamic regulation mechanisms, enabled by high-precision monitoring of tourist behavior (with 1.37–2.68 m accuracy) and consumption trajectories, can significantly boost tourism revenue—doubling local industrial chain added value—and increase return visit rates by over 50%. Empirical validation in the ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun supports the broader applicability of this approach to karst heritage sites with similar cluster characteristics.
The Impact of Perceived Value, Social Norms, Destination Context and Psychological Ownership on Low-Carbon Tourism Behaviour in Chinese Rural Tourism
A comprehensive model identifying key factors influencing low-carbon tourism behavior among visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, specifically the ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun in Anhui Province, was developed. The study found that destination context, perceived value of low-carbon tourism, social norms, and psychological ownership significantly positively impact such behaviors, with destination context emerging as the most influential factor. Psychological ownership acted as a mediating variable, contributing to a model explaining 60.4% of the variance in behavior. This research provides actionable insights for governments, communities, and tourism enterprises to foster sustainable low-carbon rural tourism by integrating environmental design, value perception, social norms, and psychological ownership strategies.
A Multi-factor analysis for evaluating habitat suitability of traditional settlements in Huizhou
A comprehensive evaluation of habitat suitability for traditional villages in the Huizhou region of southern Anhui, China, reveals distinct spatial patterns influenced by multiple environmental and geographical factors. The study, using the GeoDetector method, found that precipitation, vegetation, geomorphology, ancient pathways, and land use significantly impact village distribution, with interactions between these factors having a stronger effect than any single factor alone. The analysis identified a high-suitability zone in the northern region, characterized by basin topography, gentle terrain, and favorable climate, while the southern area shows low suitability due to mountainous terrain, frequent rainfall, geological hazards, and limited transportation. Notably, 83% of traditional villages are located in moderate-to-high suitability zones, validating the model's reliability. This research provides a scientific foundation for the conservation of traditional settlements and offers insights into human habitats in mountainous regions globally.
Quantitative Analysis of Color Characteristics of the Buildings in the Streets and Alleys of Huizhou Based on Visual Perception: A Case Study of Hongcun
A quantitative analysis of the color characteristics of buildings in Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Anhui, reveals that Huizhou architecture predominantly features warm tones and low chroma, with brightness distribution enhancing color hierarchy. The study found that hue ranges from 0° to 60°, chroma from 0 to 33, and brightness is most prominent in medium to high ranges. Color harmony values remain stable between 0.6 and 0.9, indicating a high level of visual consistency. This research introduces objective metrics for analyzing color composition and distribution, offering scientific evidence for the preservation of traditional architecture and modern design strategies.
The sustainablility of traditional Chinese villages: a perspective from the production of space
Traditional Chinese villages, such as Hongcun and Xidi, exhibit sustainability through the preservation of social bonds and spiritual culture, not just physical spaces. A study applying Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space identified six key sustainable characteristics across four villages in diverse regions—Hongcun (Anhui), Yazhe Zaozu (Sichuan), Tianluokeng (Fujian), and Dingcun (Shanxi). These include distinct local traits, rich narratives, collective practices, resilience, cultural symbolism, and interconnectivity. The research highlights how these villages resist urbanization and commodification while offering theoretical insights for conservation strategies.
Construction and Evaluation of a Traditional Village Tourism Imagery Element System Based on Xidi Village
Tourists' overall satisfaction with Xidi Village's tourism imagery is below expectations, revealing systematic deficiencies in perceived place imagery. The study, using mixed methods including network text analysis and questionnaire-based IPA (Importance-Performance Analysis), identifies critical areas for improvement: natural landscape, social landscape, and physical cuisine. Key factors such as natural phenomena, historical figures, clan history, watersheds, accommodation, ticket systems, and guide services require urgent attention to enhance visitor experience. While positive emotional responses dominate, negative imagery impacts persist. Recommendations focus on optimizing development layouts and upgrading service facilities to address these gaps.
Exploring Rural Discourses: Mobile App Representation of Hongcun, China in Tripadvisor
Mobile media significantly influence the representation and reproduction of rural places, as demonstrated by their portrayal of Hongcun, one of China's ancient villages. This study reveals that digital platforms like TripAdvisor shape rural discourses through associative terms such as 'gucunluo,' reflecting cultural heritage concepts. Using qualitative methods—intertextual analysis of images and reviews, walkthrough interdiscursivity, and literature review—the research uncovers the complexities of how these villages are digitally represented. Findings highlight the nuanced role of digital media in preserving rural narratives while also impacting visitor experiences and preservation efforts.
Huizhou residences under the influence of Zhu Xi Neo-Confucianism
A strong correlation exists between the spatial organization of Huizhou vernacular architecture and Neo-Confucian values, such as self-responsibility, social responsibility, and reverence for nature. This study, focusing on the well-preserved residences in Hongcun and Xidi, demonstrates how Zhu Xi’s philosophical tenets influenced architectural design while also fostering practical philosophies among subsequent generations. Spatial syntax theory and qualitative analysis of facades and decorative elements were employed to reveal these connections, offering insights into how architecture can support harmonious and aesthetically pleasing living environments.
Optimization of Heritage Management Mechanisms through the Prism of Historic Urban Landscape: A Case Study of the Xidi and Hongcun World Heritage Sites
A balanced approach to heritage management, integrating public participation, planning, legislation, and fiscal mechanisms, can effectively preserve the cultural continuity of traditional Chinese villages like Xidi and Hongcun while fostering sustainable development. This study identifies key governance principles for historic urban landscapes (HUL) by analyzing the evolution of heritage management in Southern Anhui's villages. It highlights the challenges in stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks, and funding models, proposing strategies to optimize HUL governance. By examining case studies, the research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive policies to ensure long-term conservation and development.
Research on the Optimization of Night Tourism Products in Xidi and Hongcun Based on Tourist Experience
A systematic analysis of night tourism products in Xidi and Hongcun, China, reveals that while tourists highly value night landscape viewing and overall safety, significant improvements are needed in catering experiences, transportation convenience, cultural performances, and shopping. Using field research, questionnaires, and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), the study identifies key areas for enhancement to meet tourist expectations and sustainably develop night tourism. Prioritizing catering, transportation, and cultural performances while leveraging existing strengths in safety and landscapes can optimize the visitor experience at these UNESCO-listed sites.
Residents’ perceptions of tourism and Chinese central policies: the case of Anhui’s UNESCO sites
Residents of UNESCO-listed villages in Anhui, China—Xidi and Hongcun—show shifting perceptions of tourism, increasingly attributing its impacts to central government policies. A decade-long study combining long-term observation, temporary residency, and surveys of 478 villagers reveals a nuanced relationship between local communities and tourism development. Unlike Nanping, which followed different administrative procedures, Xidi and Hongcun’s experiences highlight the tension between pro-poor tourism goals and community participation in China's rural heritage conservation. These findings suggest that residents' evolving attitudes could influence both tourist experiences and the sustainability of emerging rural destinations.
Similarity and stability: a study on the color features of regional built spaces - taking Chinese Hui-style architecture as an example
Research identifies the 'black-grey-white' tri-color sequence as a stable and defining feature of Huizhou's color identity, shaping regional perception. The study analyzed color attributes—lightness, chroma, and hue—in three ancient villages (Hongcun, Nanping, Xidi) using 3D laser scanning and descriptive statistics to assess absolute color features and visual similarity across architectural elements. This systematic approach advances psychological cognition of systemic color stability, offering scientific rigor for urban design applications.
The role of artistic quality in a heritage architectural style in modulating tourist interest and aesthetic pleasure: a case study of Hui-style architecture in the Hongcun Scenic Area, China
Research reveals that the typicality and variety of heritage architectural styles significantly enhance tourists' aesthetic pleasure, particularly when aligned with their travel interests. Unlike unity or novelty, these elements act as key modulators between tourist interest and aesthetic enjoyment in cultural heritage tourism. Using public opinion surveys at Hongcun, a renowned Hui-style architecture site in China, the study quantitatively analyzed how artistic quality dimensions—variety, unity, typicality, and novelty—influence visitor experiences. Findings suggest that emphasizing typicality and variety in interpretive content or tour itineraries could markedly improve visitor satisfaction, offering actionable insights for tourism planners and heritage managers to elevate the aesthetic value of cultural destinations.
A Brief Discussion on the Destruction Caused by the Restoration and Solutions of Historic Villages and Towns——Taking Datong Ancient City Wall and Huizhou Ancient Village Xidi as Examples
Poorly executed restoration projects on historic villages and towns, such as Datong Ancient City Wall and Xidi in Huizhou, often lead to unintended destruction of cultural heritage due to lack of expert oversight. The study highlights that while China has intensified efforts to protect historical sites through governmental initiatives, many reconstructions fail to adhere to proper conservation standards, risking irreversible damage. It proposes strengthening supervision and management systems to ensure that protection planning effectively controls restoration practices, thereby preserving the authenticity and integrity of these heritage sites.
Cultural Characteristics of Huizhou Architecture in Ming and Qing Dynasties and Discussion on Pop-up Book Paper Art
Huizhou architecture, a distinct style among China's eight major architectural schools, showcases unique design elements and profound cultural connotations that have endured through the Ming and Qing dynasties. A study focusing on Hongcun village in Shexian County, Anhui Province, reveals how this traditional residential architecture can be creatively reinterpreted using pop-up book paper art techniques. The research demonstrates that Huizhou architecture not only offers a rich material and spiritual aesthetic but also provides a foundation for interactive digital or physical products that 'activate' historical documentation, making it accessible and engaging for future generations. This approach bridges the gap between preservation and innovation, offering new ways to experience and understand cultural heritage.
Spatial Form Cognition of Historical Streets in Hongcun Village through a Space Syntax Approach
Research on Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in China, reveals that the spatial form of its historical streets significantly influences both vitality and human cognition. The study found a positive correlation between the integration, intelligibility, and optionality of traditional street space and people's perception of vitality. Notably, residents and tourists perceive these spaces differently due to their distinct identities and awareness levels. Using Space Syntax theory for quantitative spatial analysis and cognitive imagery to explore mental perceptions, the research provides insights into how spatial morphology shapes behavior and cognition. This dual approach offers a framework for policymakers to balance preservation with tourism development, ensuring sustainable space allocation in traditional villages.
Study on Multidimensional Perception of National Forest Village Landscape Based on Digital Footprint Support—Anhui Xidi Village as an Example
Tourists' perceptions of Xidi Village, a UNESCO-listed National Forest Village in Anhui, China, are dominated by humanistic and cultural elements, with natural landscapes receiving less emphasis. The study, using digital footprint analysis and semantic network modeling, revealed that while visitors overwhelmingly express positive emotions, commercialization and homogenization trigger negative sentiments. These insights suggest targeted landscape optimization strategies to balance ecological conservation, tourism development, and cultural preservation. The research highlights the importance of multidimensional perception in shaping sustainable village landscapes.
Antecedents of Rural Tourism Experience Memory: Tourists’ Perceptions of Tourism Supply and Positive Emotions
Research reveals that tourists' perceptions of rural tourism supply significantly influence their experience memories, mediated by positive emotions. A study of 556 participants in Xidi Village, China, found that favorable views of tourism offerings trigger emotional responses, which in turn shape lasting memories. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing tourism supply to enhance visitor experiences and encourage positive word-of-mouth effects. The study used questionnaire surveys and statistical analyses to uncover this mechanism, providing actionable insights for sustainable rural tourism development.
Optimization strategies for conservation of traditional dwellings in Hongcun Village, China, based on decay phenomena analysis
A detailed analysis of decay phenomena in Hongcun Village's traditional dwellings, part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui, reveals critical insights for their conservation. The study identifies and categorizes decay patterns in masonry and wooden components, providing a systematic framework to address preservation challenges. It evaluates both government-led and private restoration efforts, highlighting key issues and proposing optimized strategies. This research bridges gaps in existing literature by focusing on decay phenomena, offering actionable solutions to safeguard the architectural integrity of these culturally significant structures.
Study on the Formation Mechanism of the Spatial Characteristics of Ancient Village Streets from the Perspective of Design Culturology: A Case Study of Hongcun, Anhui Province
A study of Hongcun, Anhui Province, reveals that the spatial characteristics of ancient village streets are shaped by deep cultural influences, particularly from design culturology. The research identifies key elements such as street space composition and node spaces, demonstrating how these reflect historical development contexts. By analyzing on-site investigations and historical data, the study uncovers the intricate relationship between cultural perspectives and the physical layout of streets in ancient villages. This finding offers a new framework for understanding and preserving the spatial attributes of UNESCO-listed sites like Xidi and Hongcun, providing valuable insights for future research and conservation efforts.
The Development of Traditional Food in Tourist Destinations from the Perspective of Dramaturgy
Tourism-driven transformations of traditional cuisine in UNESCO World Heritage Sites can enhance the gourmet experience for visitors, shifting it from mere support to peak engagement. A study on mandarin fish—a local Anhui dish—revealed that Hongcun, a heritage village, adapted its culinary offerings through menu simplification, standardized production, and theatrical presentation to cater to mass tourism while preserving authenticity. The research identified a 'middle stage' in dining experiences, blending frontstage (tourist-facing) and backstage (traditional) elements, which deepens cultural immersion. Interviews were used to analyze this evolutionary process, offering insights into sustainable gastronomic development in heritage contexts.
Tourism, Residents Agent Practice and Traditional Residential Landscapes at a Cultural Heritage Site: The Case Study of Hongcun Village, China
A balanced approach to tourism development and heritage sustainability can be achieved through the adaptive practices of local residents, as demonstrated in Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China. The study reveals that residents' spatial practices, driven by their habitus and tourism capital, lead to both material (e.g., changes in residential function and courtyard structure) and non-material transformations (e.g., shifting resident-actor relationships). Residents who actively engage in protection actions tend to achieve sustainable livelihoods, contributing to a resilient cultural landscape. This finding underscores the critical role of grassroots agency in adapting living heritage to external pressures, offering a model for sustainable development at similar sites.
Exploring Residents’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Traditional Villages: The Lens of Stakeholder Theory
Residents' perceptions and attitudes towards sustainable tourism development in traditional villages vary significantly across economic, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions. A qualitative study employing stakeholder theory and grounded theory approach, conducted through semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders in Hongcun—a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site—revealed nuanced sub-themes influencing these areas. The findings underscore the importance of integrating residents' perspectives into sustainable tourism strategies at local, societal, and business levels to ensure balanced development. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, and communities aiming to preserve cultural heritage while fostering sustainable growth in traditional villages.
Novel micron-thick brick cladding of polyfluorosilicone acrylates, a case study of conservation of historic brick wall in Hongcun village
A groundbreaking micron-thick (3-5 μm) and transparent cladding technique using polyfluorosilicone acrylates has been successfully applied to restore severely eroded brick walls in Hongcun village. This innovative method, utilizing an environment-friendly dimethyl carbonate solution, adheres to the principle of 'repairing old as old,' ensuring minimal visual disruption while providing robust protection against damp, mildew, and weathering. The copolymerized resin, containing dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, permeates the brick surface to an average depth of 14.5 mm, significantly enhancing water resistance (water contact angle of 133°) and reducing water absorption from 16.1% to 2.8% after 24 hours. This approach offers a long-lasting, efficient solution for the conservation of historic brick structures.
Study on the Influence of Tourists’ Value on Sustainable Development of Huizhou Traditional Villages-- A Case of Hongcun and Xidi
A study reveals that tourists' values significantly influence the sustainable development of traditional villages, such as Hongcun and Xidi in Anhui, China. The research identifies 39 Mean-End Chain (MEC) value chains, highlighting 11 key attributes of Huizhou traditional villages that resonate with different generational cohorts (60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s). It also uncovers 16 tourism outcomes and 9 types of tourists' values, demonstrating an inherent interaction between these values and village attributes. This interaction subdivides tourism products and marketing channels, offering a model for sustainable development that is crucial for preserving traditional villages in the Huizhou region.
The Thermal Performance of Chinese Vernacular Skywell Dwellings
Chinese vernacular skywell dwellings, particularly those in Xidi and Zhifeng villages, demonstrate superior thermal performance due to evaporative cooling, which significantly reduces indoor temperature fluctuations. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of passive cooling in traditional architecture, revealing that hygroscopic construction materials further enhance comfort by buffering temperatures. The study analyzed on-site measurements and solar simulations from eight dwellings across three villages—Xidi, Zhifeng, and Yuyuan—revealing that evaporative cooling was the primary factor lowering mean dry bulb temperatures inside skywells below external levels. This insight underscores the adaptive design of these UNESCO-listed sites, blending material science with environmental responsiveness.
Tourism, Water Pollution, and Waterway Landscape Changes in a Traditional Village in the Huizhou Region, China
Tourism development in Hongcun, a traditional UNESCO World Heritage Site in China's Huizhou region, has significantly altered the waterway landscape despite preserving its physical structure. While local governments have taken steps to mitigate water pollution from tourism-related sources like homestays and restaurants, the cultural functions and meanings of these waterways remain at risk. The study highlights the need for integrated resilience strategies that address technological, heritage protection, and developmental challenges while incorporating non-representational theory to better understand and manage landscape dynamics. This research introduces a sustainable water utilization model compatible with the ancient agricultural environment of Huizhou and offers new insights into the relationship between cultural landscapes and resilience in modern contexts.
Value Preferences and Intergenerational Differences of Tourists to Traditional Chinese Villages
Tourists' value preferences for traditional Chinese villages, such as Xidi and Hongcun in southern Anhui, vary significantly across generations. Post-60s tourists prioritize wisdom and self-improvement, while post-70s and 80s tourists favor beauty, inner harmony, and a sense of belonging. In contrast, post-90s tourists show no strong value preference, advocating for diversity instead. This research, using means-end chain (MEC) theory and hard laddering through questionnaires, identifies distinct generational behaviors that can inform tourism market segmentation and the preservation of traditional villages.
Chinese Heritage Sites and their Audiences
Tourists at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China actively engage in cultural, social, and emotional work when visiting heritage sites, demonstrating agency in how they interpret and interact with these spaces. This study, based on interviews with domestic tourists, local residents, and heritage officials at West Lake, Xidi, and Hongcun, reveals the complex dynamics between locals and visitors and examines whether government or locally controlled tourism enterprises better facilitate meaningful cultural interactions. The research highlights tensions arising when site usage diverges from UNESCO and national expectations, emphasizing the interrelation between tourism and heritage while addressing debates on heritage performances, emotional significance, and tourist agency. This work is particularly relevant for scholars in heritage studies, tourism, landscape architecture, and anthropology.
Chinese traditional village residents’ behavioural intention to support tourism: an extended model of the theory of planned behaviour
A study integrating place attachment (PA) into the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) reveals that subjective norms (SNs)—perceptions of social pressure—are the critical factor influencing residents' attitudes and behavioural intentions to support tourism in traditional Chinese villages. The research, conducted among 406 residents of Hongcun, confirms that PA mediates the relationship between SNs and residents' behavioural intention (BI), extending the TPB's applicability by incorporating resident-specific constructs. This is one of the first studies to combine PA with the TPB in a developing country context, offering new insights into how social influences shape tourism development from a local perspective.
Culture and nature in conserving the indigenous water system in rural China: A case study of the ancient village of Hongcun
A holistic approach to landscape conservation, integrating both natural and cultural elements, can foster sustainable land use and resilient water management in rural villages. This insight emerges from a case study of Hongcun, an ancient village in Anhui Province, China, where rapid economic development, urbanization, and shifting agricultural practices have disrupted traditional water systems. The research examines the historical evolution and challenges of these indigenous waterscapes, highlighting the need for comprehensive development models that prioritize sustainability over tourism and infrastructure investments to ensure the village's long-term viability.
HongCun
A virtual tour of Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed village in Anhui Province known for its Hui-style architecture and century-old cultural heritage, reveals the intricate details of its traditional structures and natural beauty. Using 3dsmax+Twinmotion software, researchers created an immersive digital experience that incorporates elements like flowers, birds, insects, fish, climate, and time to showcase Hongcun's aesthetic appeal without physical travel. This approach not only preserves the village's cultural significance but also offers a novel way for audiences worldwide to appreciate its historical and natural landscapes, bridging the gap between heritage conservation and modern technology.
Research on Image Perception of Heritage Destination Based on Web Text Analysis : Taking Hongcun Village as an Example
Tourism image perception of Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anhui Province, exhibits a power function distribution with pronounced 'long tail' characteristics. Analysis of traveler reviews from major Chinese platforms reveals that tourists highly value natural scenery and historical authenticity but criticize over-commercialization, limited attractions, and poor seasonal management. The study recommends protective development strategies to preserve Hongcun's cultural integrity while enriching its tourism offerings through data-driven insights.
The Research on the Evaluation and Optimization of the Traditional Dwelling Conservation Practice: A Case Study of Cheng Zhi Hall Restoration Project within Hongcun
A critical evaluation of the Cheng Zhi Hall restoration project in Hongcun revealed significant gaps in traditional dwelling conservation practices in China. The study identified issues such as vague descriptions of restoration measures, unclear markings on restoration drawings, and a lack of theoretical support for restoration practices. By comparing Chinese approaches with Italian case studies, researchers proposed optimization strategies to improve the planning and execution of traditional dwelling conservation efforts. This comparative analysis offers actionable insights for preserving cultural heritage while addressing practical challenges in restoration projects.
The Virtual City - Sleepless Hongcun
A groundbreaking virtual city project, 'Sleepless Hongcun,' merges ancient and modern aesthetics by integrating the night scene of Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed village in southern Anhui, with contemporary urban elements using VR technology. This innovative approach, achieved through architectural visualization tools like Twinmotion, preserves traditional architectural styles while introducing modern design features, offering an unprecedented immersive experience for virtual tourists. The project demonstrates how cutting-edge digital techniques can enhance the appreciation of cultural heritage by blending historical authenticity with modern creativity.
'Value in Change': What do World Heritage Nominations Bring to Chinese World Heritage Sites?
World Heritage listing transforms the values and meanings of Chinese heritage sites, primarily to align with UNESCO's Eurocentric criteria, but also augments local pride and cultural exchange. Contrary to fears that tourism commodifies heritage, this study finds that mass tourism can positively influence site values when locals engage in dialogue with visitors. Using case studies of West Lake (Hangzhou) and Xidi-Hongcun (Anhui), interviews with officials, managers, tourists, and residents revealed that while government-controlled tourism limits meaningful interactions, locally managed heritage tourism enhances cultural sharing. The research challenges assumptions about the negative impacts of tourism on heritage values, instead highlighting its potential to strengthen local identity and pride.
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