Conservation and Revitalization of Rural Heritage: A Case Study of the Mountainous Traditional Village
Shuyi Li
Abstract
Rural heritage represents the sustained interaction between humans and nature, serving as historical evidence for the study of the evolutionary trajectory of rural societies. The future of rural heritage is crucial for the development of rural communities. It not only serves as a carrier of agricultural memory but also fosters rural social cohesion, and even becomes a pillar supporting rural economic growth, offering potential employment opportunities. In recent years, China has implemented a series of rural revitalization policies, propelling the conservation of rural heritage and fostering its sustainable development. Shixia, a typical mountainous village, stands as a successful case in the protection and activation of rural heritage. This study introduces this village’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage resources, analyzes the challenges and constraints faced by the village in its developmental stages before the Rural Heritage Revitalization Action (RHRA), and presents the transformative journey of Shixia from poverty to rejuvenation. The study dissects the revival strategies employed in this successful rural heritage revitalization case, aiming to inspire the development of other traditional villages.