Uses of the past: negotiating heritage in Xi'an

Date

2018

Authors

Zhu, Yujie

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract

The recent urban development in Xi’an illustrates how local authorities are rebuilding an imagined and ancient capital of China which is tied to the remote Tang dynasty, a symbol of the glorious Chinese civilization. Based on instrumental uses of the past, the municipal government has implemented heritage plans to create an aesthetically pleasing and economically valuable destination for display and consumption. This study contributes to an understanding of the contested nature of heritage in the rapidly shifting urban landscape of contemporary China. Rather than fully following the official script, participants in the heritage industry have different responses to the changing social and living environment in Xi’an. Despite the nation-state’s overwhelming involvement in people’s daily lives, I suggest that there is still space where individuals may challenge the dominant narrative. While such challenges might not replace the existing official discourse, people adapt, negotiate and contest these heritage discourses and practices to pursue their own interests

Description

Keywords

Uses of the past, heritage tourism, urban renewal, Xi’an, China

Citation

Source

International Journal of Heritage Studies

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31