The mobilisation of tradition in the regeneration of rural settlements in China: the case of Shanxi Province

Hao, Jie (2023). The mobilisation of tradition in the regeneration of rural settlements in China: the case of Shanxi Province. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The rapid transformation of China from a predominantly rural to a highly urbanised society has accentuated a legacy of problems in many parts of its countryside. Outward migration to mega-cities, the growth of an ageing population, and changes in agricultural practices are amongst the factors contributing to the decline and poverty of many rural villages across China. The heritage value of selected settlements in China was recognised in 2003 with the list of the ‘Famous Chinese Historical and Cultural Towns and Villages’, which was highly selective and driven by seeing villages more within a framework of protecting cultural relics. However, in 2012 a more extensive ‘list’ of villages was introduced with a wider remit of using their cultural resources to stimulate regeneration and economic development through heritage and tourism. This scheme is the Traditional Chinese Villages Scheme, which somewhat paradoxically has been championed by President Xi Jinping as a form of rural ‘modernisation’ and a way out of rural poverty. In 2017, President Xi put “pursuing a Rural Vitalisation Strategy” third in China’s “New Vision of Development and Developing a Modernised Economy” as part of the 19th CPC National Congress.

In this thesis, I have examined how this regeneration scheme is being implemented in selected villages in Shanxi Province. While several researchers have attempted to evaluate the success of the scheme quantitatively, little work has been done on trying to understand how local village communities are actually experiencing the changes that are taking place. By spending time in selected villages, observing the changes and the responses to proposed changes, and discussing these with local actors representing a diversity of interests, I was able to identify the processes at the heart of ‘traditional village development’ and how this ‘development’ is being received by communities. What is clear is that this ‘top–down’ selective process of regeneration is generating hierarchies and divisions in and between villages based upon the unequal allocation of resources. The attractiveness of government investment through the award of an officially recognised title has also created a competitive environment between villages, which is impacting upon both their tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The implementation of the Traditional Villages Scheme accords with notions of an Authorised Heritage Discourse (AHD) with selective engagement of communities; mainly the ‘elite’ of the villages, comprising elder leaders and party representatives. However, a majority of villagers are excluded from the processes of designation, even though I found a keenness to participate as these impact the future and character of their place of residence. That said, residents are broadly welcoming of the Scheme, not specifically for its heritage preservation but as it allows them to embrace ‘modern’ ways of life. This study sheds light on the tensions between Chinese perceptions of tradition and modernity, as well as the conflicting perspectives within communities regarding their rural villages—whether they are cherished as homes and sources of identity or viewed as symbols of backwardness and feudalism.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):