Relational Authenticity and Reconstructed Heritage Space: A Balance of Heritage Preservation, Tourism, and Urban Renewal in Luoyang Silk Road Dingding Gate

Abstract

Authenticity is a controversial concept in heritage studies. This is particularly the case where the reconstruction of heritage spaces is carried out to facilitate multiple objectives, namely, preservation, tourism development and improving the quality of life of local residents. Based on a qualitative methodology with a case study approach, this paper uses participant observation, in-depth interviews and textual analysis to explore the varying perceptions of authenticity for a reconstructed heritage site from the point of view of heritage experts, tourists and local residents. We identify a form of ‘relational authenticity’. Using the Dingding Gate, part of the Luoyang World Heritage section of the Silk Road, this paper highlights the phenomenon of ‘reconstructed heritage space’ with the relational authenticity of different actors in the Chinese context. We argue that relational authenticity is embedded in the networks between people, place, and (re)materialized space, which is the assemblage of excavated original objects and reconstructed buildings and spaces. Relational authenticity is acquired through a rematerializing process engaged by actors, who focus on the material qualities, instead of material authenticity and originality, of the original excavated objects and later reconstructed space.

Can politically oriented interventions in built heritage contribute to its authenticity? Erbil Citadel’s Babylonian Gate as a case study

“…Thus, if the BG's structure was added during a controversial period of the site's history, this should consequently be re-considered in the assessment of Erbil's authenticity, whereas the 'original intentions' of its cultural-political story should be retained more flexibly (Von Droste and Bertilsson 1994, 3). Rebuilding the PD replica on the residue of the BG, conversely, may challenge the authenticity of the former, 'as removing the physical remains of certain eras', which perpetuate a particular political-historical record, 'generates controversy for not respecting historical authenticity' of such a record (Su et al 2020). Removal of the BG otherwise would be equivalent of a repression of the context's political past, which could serve as a vital tourist venue that informs about this past.…”

“…As such, the appropriate approach of conservation might entail tackling the issue of the BG as a kind of heritage-based political economy, which therefore should emphasise it as a reconstructed traditional-style culture. This can also increase visitors' verbal support for such a transformative heritage, being a local tourism-related commodification (Wang and Bramwell 2012;Su et al 2020). Indeed, the clash between the context's historical value and such political conflicts, if wisely used, may materially contribute to the transformative procedure of heritage-based tourist destinations of the site.…”

Research progress and knowledge system of world heritage tourism: a bibliometric analysis

“…Studies of authenticity in WH tourism focus on existential authenticity (n = 10) and constructive authenticity (n = 4). Existential authenticity emphasizes tourists' perceptions, experiences, and preferences of authenticity, including experiences, emotions, attachments, and identities [54]. Scholars generally agree that the authenticity of the tourist experience has a significant impact on satisfaction and loyalty and that the quality of WH tourism is enhanced by authenticity [55][56][57][58][59].…”

A Summary of the Study on the Authenticity of Traditional Village Architecture Space

“…Discusses the balance between tourism and urban renewal, as well as the authenticity of the relationship and the reconstructed cultural relic space (Su, 2020) Physical entity and space…”