Understanding the social value of a historic conservation area : a case study of Nanhetou, Zhejiang, China

Abstract

As conservation has become a popular topic in China, more and more Historic Conservation Areas are officially set and listed. Within these historic areas, there is a trend to overly focus on commercial aspects in order to bring more investors and visitors to facilitate economic development and sometimes the essential character and identity of the place itself as well as the local community are ignored. As a result, Historic Conservation Areas that should have numerous and diverse cultural features are becoming monotonous. The social value of such places is gradually becoming forgotten as outsiders and tourists displace local residents leading to weaker communities. Therefore, the social value of such historic conservation areas urgently needs to be identified, understood, documented and highlighted in order that the sense of community connection of the place is not lost. This dissertation focuses on a section of Nanhetou, a residential area with buildings in the traditional Jiangnan style and a site listed as an Historic Conservation Area by the Zhejiang Provincial Government in 2000. Cultural mapping of this area was carried out in order to examine, evaluate and document its social value. The previous protection plan prepared by the government only emphasized its historic, scientific and aesthetic values. The ongoing urban design of the site primarily focuses on bringing in new entertainment and commercial projects. Therefore, further measures should be taken to protect the only remaining Historic Conservation Area in downtown of Pinghu, Zhejiang which is currently under urban development pressure. This research could set an example for further study on how to conserve the social value similar historic sites in China.