Local state adaptation and grassroots participation: Tianjin and Nanjing’s preservation of cultural relics in comparative aspects

Abstract

Background: Governance of cultural relics preservation and cultural industry in China have become focal points of academic interests in recent years. Purpose: This article adopts the case of Tianjin and Nanjing to study how the local states balance market incentives and values of preservation, and adapt to new institutional frameworks and social environment in China. Main Arguments: The authors argue that cultural preservation is a process of adaption and learning for both local state and society. This article tries to figure out the new mechanism and actors involved in the process of continuity and change in local China. The local states have learned to cope more subtly with social demands and are now more responsive to the outbreak of new events and social demands through various channels. The cultural elite also search for ways to strike a win-win solution to bridge the interests of various stakeholders. But the law enforcement and policy implementations are still full of confusion and calculation. Conclusion: The authors argue that in order to consolidate the local capacity building, formation of a grass-roots identity will lay the long-term foundation for autonomous mechanism of collaborative governance in cultural relics preservation in China.

Heritage and tourism development in China's former international concessions. Tianjin as a place study

“…The municipal authorities of Tianjin decided to establish a “Tianjin model” for urban renewal (Marinelli, 2010), promoting the uniqueness of its modern history. This “Tianjin model” is a public–private partnership for cultural heritage preservation, which combines “government direction, expert advice and public participation” (Leng & Chen, 2017):…”

“…On the one hand, in the master plan for Tianjin approved by the State Council in July 2006, the central government emphasized the preservation of historic heritages should be protected comprehensively. On the other hand, the central government decided that Tianjin will become the Northern Economic Center which implies that development supersedes any other issue (Leng & Chen, 2017). In the early 21st century, the municipality of Tianjin sought to develop tourism by promoting a distinct identity, but its proximity to Beijing deprived it of visitors (Jin, 2005).…”

Research on Development Strategy of Creative Industries of Cultural Relics & Museum in Jilin Province

“…Deeply implementing the spirit of the Nineteenth National Congress of the Party, with the strong support of the propaganda department of the provincial party committee and municipal party committee; the guidance and assistance of the office of culture and resources, the office of network information [8], vigorously develop the creative industry.…”