Publications
Authenticity and place attachment as dual pathways for sustainable tourism in the historic Quanzhou West Street, China
Research on Quanzhou West Street, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, reveals that both tangible and experiential authenticity significantly enhance visitors' emotional connection to the place, reinforcing sustainable tourism. The study found that object-related authenticity (physical heritage features) and existential authenticity (cultural engagement) positively influence place identity and dependence, with place identity acting as a mediator between authenticity and functional reliance on the site. This dual pathway suggests that preserving historic fabric while fostering authentic cultural experiences is crucial for long-term sustainability. The findings underscore the need for integrated conservation efforts, visitor management to prevent over-commercialization, and community involvement in governance. The research provides actionable insights for managing historic urban landscapes sustainably.
Durability Analysis of Brick-Faced Clay-Core Walls in Traditional Residential Architecture in Quanzhou, China
Research on brick-faced clay-core walls (BCWs) in Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage City, reveals that their durability stems from three key mechanisms: the protective and reinforcing synergy between brick and clay, the impact of external pollutant infiltration, and the stability of silicate minerals. Using advanced techniques such as finite element mechanics analysis (FEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), scientists analyzed the northern gable of Ding Gongchen’s former residence to uncover these insights. The study highlights that maintaining the structural integrity of BCWs relies on the interplay between brick and clay materials, as well as the stability of silicate minerals, offering a foundation for sustainable preservation of such traditional constructions.
Multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious diversity: chronotopic affect in the semiotic landscape of Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou
Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou, a key site on the historical maritime silk road, embodies complex chronotopic affects—emotional responses shaped by multilingual, multicultural, and multi-religious diversity. The study reveals that globalisation-driven mobility of sociolinguistic resources leads to functional shifts across scales (e.g., from local to global, religious to mundane), creating layered time-space frames within a single site or even individual signs. These chronotopes evoke distinct affects like love and nostalgia, illustrating how historical and modern elements interweave in semiotic landscapes. The research employs ethnographic methods, including photographs, observation notes, and interviews, to analyze these dynamics.
Quantitative research of street interface morphology in urban historic districts: a case study of west street historic district, Quanzhou
A novel method for quantifying street interface morphology in historical urban districts offers valuable insights for their protection and renewal. This study introduces four key parameters—Distance-Height Ratio, Interface Density, Build-To-Line Rate, and Near-Line Rate—to analyze the spatial characteristics of Xijie, a historic cultural street district in Quanzhou, China. By focusing on meso-level spatial morphology rather than macro-level planning, this approach provides actionable strategies for preserving historical streets while addressing gaps in existing research. The findings validate the method's feasibility and contribute to sustainable urban heritage conservation.
Spatial non-stationarity effects of the driving factors on landscape ecological risk: A case of the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Urban Agglomeration, China
Landscape ecological risk (LER) in the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Urban Agglomeration (XZQUA), China, has shown a declining trend from 1980 to 2020, accompanied by increasing spatial autocorrelation. The study identified construction land area, distance from roads, elevation, and temperature as key drivers of LER, with significant spatial non-stationarity in their effects. Construction land and elevation negatively impacted LER, while proximity to roads had a positive effect. These findings highlight the need for targeted ecological risk interventions tailored to geographical contexts, offering critical insights for regional policymakers.
The Service Experience Innovation Model of Cultural Tourism in Historic Districts: A Case Study on Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou, Fujian Province of China
Researchers have developed the TESP model, a framework for innovative cultural tourism services that integrates technological, experiential, systemic, and platform dimensions. This model, applied to Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou, China, highlights the importance of creating a sense of place through traditional culture while leveraging digital platforms and interpersonal networks to promote local economic prosperity. The study identifies six stages of tourist experience—Connect and Attract, Orientate, Interact, Extend and Retain, Advocate, and Recollect—and emphasizes humanistic innovation as a key driver for enhancing service experiences in historic districts. Using an exploratory case study approach that combines secondary data analysis with on-site observations, the findings provide practical insights for cultural heritage tourism and offer guidance for experience providers, managers, and marketing professionals.
Built Equality and Sustainable Urban Cultural Space: A Case Study of Quanzhou, China
A sustainable urban cultural ecosystem in Quanzhou, China, hinges on exemplary local knowledge and deep historical memory. This study identifies these elements as core to fostering inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, and vitality in urban cultural spaces. Researchers employed a multi-faceted approach, integrating geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial analysis of heritage points, Citespace literature co-citation analysis for evaluating governance, and questionnaire surveys to assess the creative economy and cultural space perceptions. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using Amos software further refined these insights into a theoretical framework comprising six dimensions: cultural inclusiveness, sustainability, integrity, creativity, and vitality. Comparative visitor data revealed disparities in engagement across different public spaces, underscoring the need for balanced development. The findings emphasize the critical role of historical memory in guiding cities toward sustainable futures.
Cultural Studies and Heritage Education of Nanyin Performance Art in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
Nanyin, a traditional Chinese music genre from Fujian Province, demonstrates enduring popularity and cultural significance through its diverse performance forms. This study traces Nanyin's development across ancient origins, fusion with varied musical influences, professionalization, and contemporary revitalization in Quanzhou. Employing an interdisciplinary approach—combining musicology, ethnomusicology, historical musicology, and organology—the research uses key informant interviews, observations, and systematic data analysis to explore Nanyin's artistic versatility, including duet, chorus, enchant, rotating, and group singing styles. Findings highlight its role in preserving China’s traditional culture while aligning with theoretical principles in musicology.
Development of Rural Regions in China: Evidence of Industry Integration by the Residents of Yongan Village (Quanzhou City, China)
Yongan Village, Quanzhou, China, demonstrates a novel rural development model that integrates primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in the sequence of '1 + 3 + 2,' prioritizing tertiary industry growth to drive sustainable rural development. This approach, which emphasizes agro-tourism and rising tourist inflows, offers a practical framework for transforming rural regions economically while maintaining long-term viability. The study provides theoretical insights and actionable guidance for similar initiatives in China and other developing nations, enriching the discourse on rural sustainability.
Coupling Relationship of Human Activity and Geographical Environment in Stage-Specific Development of Urban Coastal Zone: A Case Study of Quanzhou Bay, China (1954–2020)
Over the past seven decades, Quanzhou Bay has undergone significant geomorphological and land-use transformations, with its area shrinking by 21.5% and coastline dynamics reflecting stages of economic development. The study reveals a complex coupling between human activity and environmental changes, where reclamation initially supported agriculture (1954–1988) but later shifted toward industrial and urban uses (post-1988), peaking in the mid-industrialization phase before refining into high-value economic structures. Using GIS technology and remote sensing data, researchers quantified these changes—coastline length fluctuated from 208.36 km to 162.91 km, while the artificial index rose sharply from 0.28 (1959) to 0.90 (2017). The findings highlight how coastal reclamation, though economically beneficial, must balance socio-environmental trade-offs for sustainable development.
Dynamical changes of land use/land cover and their impacts on ecological quality during China’s reform periods: A case study of Quanzhou city, China
Between 1989 and 2018, Quanzhou City experienced a dramatic expansion of built-up land by 192.99 km², primarily at the expense of forests, water bodies, and cropland, leading to a significant decline in ecological quality. The study, utilizing Landsat imagery and remote sensing techniques, found that the average Remote Sensing based Ecological Index (RSEI) dropped from 0.78 to 0.34, with areas rated 'good' decreasing by nearly two-thirds while those rated 'bad' increased fourfold. Built-up land expansion intensity was negatively correlated with ecological quality, highlighting how urbanization accelerates environmental degradation. Government policies were identified as a key driver of these changes, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning that integrates ecological considerations.
Experience of Community Resilience in Rural Areas around Heritage Sites in Quanzhou under Transition to a Knowledge Economy
Rural communities near Quanzhou's UNESCO World Heritage Sites have demonstrated enhanced resilience through innovative strategies that blend heritage conservation with economic development. This study highlights how integrating intangible cultural heritage, such as 'Pu Jing,' and exhibition spaces into a knowledge economy fosters unique local characteristics while strengthening social identification and community benefits. Economic competition and restructuring of social capital, coupled with activities like the 'Local Tourism Alliance,' have significantly boosted community resilience. These findings underscore the potential of innovation-oriented rural revitalization strategies to enhance local values, promote social and economic efficiency, and support sustainable heritage conservation in transitioning economies.
Multi-Scenario Simulation to Predict Ecological Risk Posed by Urban Sprawl with Spontaneous Growth: A Case Study of Quanzhou
Urban expansion in Quanzhou, China, poses significant ecological risks, with industrial-priority development scenarios increasing high-risk areas by 42.5% compared to business-as-usual projections. The study used a Markov chain-integrated patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model to predict urban sprawl from 2005 to 2018 and its ecological impacts through 2031, identifying critical risks like water conservation, soil erosion sensitivity, and biodiversity loss. The PLUS model outperformed traditional logistic-based cellular automata models in simulating organic growth patterns, with improved accuracy for urban construction land (91.77% overall) and industrial land (6.5% higher figure of merit). Spatial analysis revealed distinct risk distributions under different development scenarios, emphasizing the need to decentralize urban growth and prioritize sustainable industrial expansion.
Preservation and Renewal: A Study on Visual Evaluation of Urban Historical and Cultural Street Landscape in Quanzhou
A visual evaluation of Quanzhou's historical and cultural street landscapes reveals significant variations in preservation quality among nine streets within five UNESCO-listed blocks. Using Semantic Differential (SD) and Factor Analysis (FA), researchers quantified attributes such as authenticity, harmony, and livability, deriving a comprehensive scoring system for each block. Results highlight disparities in landscape integrity, with some streets excelling in traditional aesthetics while others face challenges in balancing preservation with modern renewal. This study provides actionable insights for sustainable development in heritage conservation, offering a replicable methodology for evaluating urban historical landscapes globally.
Source tracing and health risk assessment of phthalate esters in household tap-water: A case study of the urban area of Quanzhou, Southeast China
A study in Quanzhou, China, reveals that household tap water contains significant levels of phthalate esters (PAEs), with diisobutylphthaate (DIBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) being the most abundant congeners. The research analyzed 300 tap water samples from urban and suburban areas, finding that PAE concentrations varied seasonally and were influenced by factors such as distance from water treatment plants, pipeline materials, and storage time. While DEP and DBP posed no noncarcinogenic risk to adults or children, DEHP showed potential health risks, warranting further attention. The study suggests that PAEs primarily originate from raw water sources, though this requires deeper investigation.
Splendors of Quanzhou, Past and Present
Quanzhou, during the Song-Yuan period (960–1368 CE), emerged as a global hub of trade and cultural exchange, distinguished by its remarkable diversity and tolerance. This open-access study reveals how these attributes fostered innovation, underpinning Quanzhou's economic prosperity. The research employs historical analysis, archaeological evidence, and comparative studies to dissect the city's cosmopolitan identity, its role in maritime Silk Road networks, and the syncretic influences that shaped its urban landscape. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches—ranging from material culture studies to textual records—the study reconstructs Quanzhou's dynamic past, highlighting its enduring legacy as a symbol of cross-cultural interaction in East Asia.
The Trade-Offs between Supply and Demand Dynamics of Ecosystem Services in the Bay Areas of Metropolitan Regions: A Case Study in Quanzhou, China
A study on Quanzhou, China, reveals that while the city's ecosystem services supply generally exceeds demand, urbanization is causing a growing imbalance, particularly in bay areas where ecological security is at risk. Researchers used multisource data to model and simulate ecosystem service dynamics from 2005 to 2015, projecting worsening disparities by 2030 under different scenarios. The findings highlight critical spatial mismatches—supply peaks upstream while demand concentrates downstream in the bay area—and underscore the need for targeted resource management to safeguard urban ecological security.
Preventive Seismic Protection Technologies to Museum Collections: Quanzhou Museum of China Case Study
A successful long-term mechanism for seismic protection of museum collections has been demonstrated at Quanzhou Museum. The study introduces innovative preventive technologies that effectively safeguard cultural artifacts during earthquakes, including advanced seismic design methods and performance-verified anti-seismic products for showcases. By implementing a comprehensive seismic monitoring system, the research ensures the stability and preservation of museum collections in Fujian, China. This case study highlights the practical application of these technologies, offering a scalable model for earthquake-resistant conservation in heritage sites worldwide.
Simulating Urban Growth Scenarios Based on Ecological Security Pattern: A Case Study in Quanzhou, China
Researchers have developed a method to predict urban growth that balances development with ecological protection, offering a new approach for sustainable urban planning. By integrating the ecological security pattern (ESP) into urban growth simulations, the study identified optimal scenarios for Quanzhou, China, using a multi-level ESP framework that considers water, geology, biodiversity, and recreation. The simulation, conducted with the SLEUTH model, excluded areas designated as critical for ecological security, resulting in three distinct urban sprawl scenarios. The findings recommend an 'optimal' growth scenario that minimizes environmental impact while supporting urban expansion, providing actionable insights for policymakers to foster more environmentally-friendly urban development.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China