Current Challenges and Solutions in Balancing the Preservation of Traditional Chinese Villages, Streets, and Towns with Tourism Development-Os muros de cabeça de cavalo refletem a essência pura de Huizhou(Ci Liansheng)

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The Conflict Between the Preservation of Traditional Chinese Villages, Streets, and Towns and the Development of Tourism: Current Conditions and Countermeasures
—A Case Study of Tunxi Ancient Street in Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Abstract

As a country with an ancient and profound history, China is renowned for the longevity, distinctiveness, and historical depth of its traditional culture. Consequently, many traditional villages, streets, and towns have preserved their unique cultural heritage and architectural features. These places possess distinctive cultural, historical, scientific, and aesthetic value, and have consequently become excellent tourism resources cherished by the public. Today, however, the rapid development of tourism, the large numbers of visitors to traditional villages, streets, and towns, uncivilized behavior, and the demolition and alteration brought about by tourism development have all had severe negative effects on their preservation. Understanding the current situation and formulating countermeasures have therefore become critically important. At the same time, ensuring that tourism continues to drive local economic development while preserving these historic areas has become a major challenge. Accordingly, how to balance tourism development with the preservation of traditional villages, streets, and towns has become the subject of this research project.

The research group employed social investigation and questionnaire surveys to conduct its study. Existing authoritative literature was also integrated and analyzed. Taking Tunxi Ancient Street, located in Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, as a case study, the group presents a detailed account of the current situation and proposes corresponding countermeasures.

Keywords: preservation of traditional villages, streets, and towns; tourism development; balanced development and preservation; heritage conservation

Topic Introduction

1. Background of the Research

At present, the preservation of traditional villages, streets, and towns in China faces serious challenges. Problems such as dirt, disorder, poor conditions, deceptive commercial practices, excessive commercialization, and the loss of regional characteristics all affect the preservation of these places and their culture. Although national policies have repeatedly emphasized the importance of preservation, their effectiveness has been limited.

2. Purpose of the Research

The purpose of this research is to promote the effective preservation of traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns without hindering tourism development. It seeks to identify ways to integrate the two, reduce the conflicts between them, and ensure the protection and development of the economic and cultural resources of these historic areas.

3. Significance of the Research

Through this research and limited practical exploration, we hope to reduce, or even eliminate, the conflict between the preservation of traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns and the rapid development of tourism. In this way, the original architecture, culture, local customs, and popular traditions of these places can be further protected, while regional economic development and social stability can also be promoted.

Literature Review

I. Policy Guidance on the Preservation and Development of Traditional Chinese Villages, Streets, and Towns
Summary of the Core Ideas

1. Planning should preserve the original culture and architecture of traditional villages, streets, and towns while allowing tourism to develop alongside them.

2. Development should inherit and innovatively build upon the original characteristics of each region.

3. The state should provide policy and financial support for systematic development.

4. Regional cultural characteristics should be organically integrated with tourism development.

5. The state should order rectification wherever development deviates from the proper direction.

II. Descriptions in the Literature of the Current Situation

1. Traditional villages, streets, and towns in China generally receive relatively large numbers of tourists, but their tourism industries often depend on other nearby attractions.

2. Tourism products in traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns are largely homogeneous, with very few manifestations of distinctive local culture.

3. The development of traditional village, street, and town resources remains incomplete.

4. Conflicts between internal problems in these historic areas and competition within the tourism industry are continuously intensifying.

III. Countermeasures Described in the Literature

1. The government should guide development and preservation.

2. Commercial development should be organized into complete industrial chains.

3. Education and training for tourists and local residents should be strengthened in order to raise awareness of the need to preserve traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns.

4. The development of surrounding attractions should be promoted.

IV. Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Literature

1. Strengths

1. The information and investigations are relatively comprehensive.

2. The research covers a broad range of groups.

3. The investigations are comparatively detailed.

2. Weaknesses

1. Practical materials and supporting arguments are absent or insufficient.

2. The proposed strategies are not sufficiently detailed and are overly general.

Research and Analysis

I. The Group’s Research Methods and Their Advantages and Limitations

1. Research Methods

Methods:

Method One: Questionnaire survey

Method Two: Literature review

Content:

Method One: Questionnaire Survey

A preliminary survey was conducted at the beginning of the research to determine whether the project’s ideas and direction were correct, whether it possessed the expected significance, and whether the proposed research direction was feasible in the eyes of the public.

Method Two: Literature Review

Existing literature was analyzed to understand the current level and depth of research related to the topic, establish an appropriate direction for the project, identify the key areas requiring further study, and determine whether the research was necessary.

2. Analysis of Advantages and Limitations

1. Method One: Questionnaire surveys have limitations. People in one’s immediate surroundings often share similar personalities and interests with the researcher, making it difficult for the results to reflect the problem accurately. In this survey, for example, the presence of students from the same school, as well as the influence of educational trips and similar experiences, led to similar answers and caused certain problems, such as the discovery of issues that were overly singular or concentrated. The results therefore failed to reflect the true situation examined by this project effectively, which was detrimental to subsequent research.

2. Method Two: Literature is subject to regional limitations. For example, very little literature concerns the specific area selected as the case study in this project. Many policy documents express essentially the same ideas and therefore offer limited reference value. Their overall specificity and practical usefulness are relatively low, meaning that the literature could only be used indirectly.

II. Research Conducted by the Group

1. Questionnaire Survey

The preliminary questionnaire survey enabled the group to gain a broader understanding of the actual situation related to the current state of the issue. It also enriched and improved the research project.

2. Consultation of Relevant Literature

Consulting relevant literature made it possible to understand the research achievements and progress already made in society, clarify the research direction, and learn from the omissions and shortcomings identified in existing studies. This helped the group improve its own project. Understanding national policies and directives also assisted the research and enabled the group to put forward relevant suggestions concerning the actual conditions of the case under study.

3. Substituting Previous Experience for Field Investigation

Because the field investigation originally planned for this project was affected by unforeseen circumstances, and in order to comply with national requirements during a special period, the group abandoned its original plan and substituted previous experience and existing real-world examples for field investigation.

I. Visualized Results of the Group’s Research

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II. Photographs Taken on Site at Tunxi Ancient Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
The circled areas indicate the locations of the problems.

Figure One:
1. The large number of visitors is detrimental to preservation.
2. Environmental sanitation problems.

Figure Two:
1. Environmental sanitation problems.
2. The items being sold have no connection with local characteristics.

Figure Three:
1. Environmental sanitation problems.

Figure Four:
1. Mass-produced children’s products that are completely unrelated to the ancient street. They may be discarded at any time, further contributing to pollution.

III. Online Images of Tunxi Ancient Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
The circled areas indicate the locations of the problems.

Figure One:
1. Jade products completely unrelated to the ancient street or local culture are being sold, lowering the cultural quality of the street and potentially causing economic problems.

Figure Two:
1. Motorcycles travel freely through the area, causing varying degrees of wear and damage to the ground and surrounding environment.

Figure Three:
1. Coffee is being sold despite having no connection with the ancient street.

Figure Four:
1. Various chain beverage shops have no connection with local characteristics and appear completely out of place.

Figure Five:
1. Cars travel freely through the area, raising concerns about traffic safety and road damage.

I. Current Conflict Between the Preservation of Traditional Chinese Villages, Streets, and Towns and Tourism Development

A. Overall Situation

1. Photographic Examples of the Overall Situation

The Ming-and-Qing Pedestrian Street in the Ancient City of Huai’an is dirty and disorderly (Figure One).

The century-old Furong Street has deteriorated into a chaotic snack street, and the problem is difficult to eradicate (Figures Two and Three).

2. Summary Analysis of the Overall Situation

The main problems generally encountered are as follows:

1. Preservation: Historic buildings are in danger of collapse, dilapidated, or being converted to other uses.

2. Preservation: Deceptive commercialization has replaced original historic buildings with modern commercial premises covered in superficial imitation.

3. Preservation: Unauthorized construction and additions are widespread and damage the original buildings.

4. Order: Crowds are disorderly, the environment is poorly maintained, and public order is relatively chaotic.

5. Culture: Local cultural characteristics are insufficiently represented.

6. Commercialization: Commercialization is excessive, leaving the original appearance almost unrecognizable.

7. Merchandise: Goods lack distinctive local characteristics. Folding fans are sold in Beijing, and folding fans are also sold in Suzhou, although their true place of origin is Yiwu. Low-quality children’s toys are sold everywhere.

8. Food: Local culinary characteristics are not reflected; fast-food restaurants and nationwide chains occupy nearly half of the market.

9. Food: Food hygiene is poor, with production often taking place in small workshops.

10. Accommodation: Local characteristics are lacking. Chain hotels or hotels with substandard sanitary conditions occupy prime locations.

B. Current Situation at the Case-Study Site

1. Photographic Examples of the Site’s Current Situation

See the research analysis sections concerning the photographs and online images.

2. Summary Analysis of the Site’s Current Situation

The main problems at the case-study site are as follows:

1. Preservation: Historic buildings are relatively dilapidated and have been converted to commercial uses.

2. Preservation: Unauthorized additions and construction exist, while shop signs, neon lights, and similar installations damage the original buildings.

3. Order: Crowds are disorderly, the environment is poorly maintained, and public order is relatively chaotic.

4. Merchandise: Many shops sell goods lacking distinctive characteristics. Folding fans are sold in Beijing, and folding fans are also sold in Suzhou, although their true place of origin is Yiwu. Low-quality children’s toys are sold everywhere.

5. Food: Fast-food restaurants and nationwide chains occupy nearly half of the market and compete directly with local specialties.

6. Food: Some food is unhygienic and is produced in small workshops.

7. Accommodation: Local characteristics are lacking. Chain hotels and hotels with substandard sanitary conditions occupy prime locations.

Summary

The preservation of traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns faces extremely serious problems. Although the scope of this research is inevitably limited, the group’s investigation and analysis nevertheless reveal the severity of the situation, which deserves deep reflection from everyone.

Purely so-called “economic development” is sometimes nothing more than developers, driven by profit, engaging in reckless exploitation that sacrifices long-term benefits for immediate gain. We should therefore view the issue from a developmental perspective and choose a better path from the standpoint of long-term, sustainable development. Regional economic development, including tourism development, and the preservation of traditional Chinese villages, streets, and towns should proceed simultaneously, so that both can be taken into account.

II. Countermeasures for Resolving the Conflict Between the Preservation of Traditional Chinese Villages, Streets, and Towns and Tourism Development

A. Countermeasures for the Overall Situation

1. Methods for Resolving General Problems: A Multi-Level Approach

a. National Level

1. The state should introduce policies encouraging and financially supporting local residents in jointly developing businesses rather than leasing premises to outsiders.

2. The state should encourage large hotel chains to reinforce, upgrade, and preserve existing historic buildings directly, thereby creating authentic themed hotels. The government should provide necessary support in areas such as approval procedures.

3. The state should establish special funds so that the maintenance of traditional villages, streets, and towns receives broad public attention.

4. The state should actively organize inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and long-established restaurants serving local specialties to open shops in traditional villages, streets, and towns or promote their culture free of charge, while providing appropriate subsidies.

5. The state should introduce mandatory policies to control visitor numbers and order the rectification of problems. Economic development should be viewed from a long-term perspective; historic villages, streets, and towns with thousands of years of history must not be treated in a manner that sacrifices their future for short-term gain.

b. Social Level

1. The media should increase exposure of preservation problems and shortcomings in traditional villages, streets, and towns, addressing them frankly and directly.

2. Society should actively respond to the state’s call.

3. Traditional villages, streets, and towns with large visitor numbers and complex standards of public conduct should adopt appropriate visitor restrictions. Their future should not be sacrificed for temporary profit. Economic development should be viewed from a long-term perspective.

c. Educational Level

1. Before educational travel activities, schools should provide not only safety instruction and general introductions, but also place particular emphasis on civilized visitation and the preservation of the historic sites involved in the itinerary.

2. Schools should regularly organize speeches and similar activities, inviting experts to speak or allowing students to discuss their views on the preservation of traditional villages, streets, and towns.

d. Family Level

1. Parents should guide their children correctly and teach them to travel in a civilized manner.

2. Parents should lead by example and foster a positive family environment.

e. Individual Level

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1. Individuals should improve their personal conduct, avoid merely leaving behind proof that they have visited, voluntarily promote the culture of traditional villages, streets, and towns, refrain from littering, and refrain from spitting in public.

f. Level of Relevant Professionals

1. Professionals should explain relevant knowledge so that people recognize the cultural and humanistic beauty of traditional villages, streets, and towns and participate in their preservation from the inside out.

2. They should lead by example.

3. They should disseminate preservation methods and provide people with basic and effective ways to protect traditional villages, streets, and towns.

2. General Direction for Resolving Overall Problems

1. The state, society, and other levels should establish clearer and more accurate guidance.

2. Professional understanding should be strengthened.

3. Preservation education should be brought into schools and made more explicit and detailed.

4. International recognition and participation by the entire population should be increased.

5. Mandatory measures should be strengthened.

B. Countermeasures for the Case-Study Site

1. Methods for Resolving Problems at the Case-Study Site: A Multi-Level Approach

a. National Level

1. The state should introduce policies encouraging and financially supporting local residents in jointly developing businesses rather than leasing premises to outsiders.

3. The state should establish special funds so that the maintenance of traditional villages, streets, and towns receives broad public attention.

6. According to the latest information available on April 20, Huangshan City has begun the legislative process to protect Tunxi Ancient Street and has drafted a proposal for public consultation. The state and local government should actively promote the successful enactment of this legislation in order to achieve more effective preservation.

b. Social Level

1. The media should increase exposure of the preservation problems and shortcomings at Tunxi Ancient Street in Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, addressing them frankly and directly.

2. Society should actively respond to the state’s call and give equal weight to preservation and development.

3. Tunxi Ancient Street receives large numbers of visitors and presents complex standards of public conduct. Appropriate visitor restrictions should therefore be adopted. Its future should not be sacrificed for temporary profit; economic development should be viewed from a long-term perspective.

4. According to the latest information available on April 20, Huangshan City has begun the legislative process to protect Tunxi Ancient Street and has drafted a proposal for public consultation. Society should actively promote the successful enactment of the legislation, while the media should report on it actively so that it can be implemented more quickly and provide better protection.

c. Educational Level

2. Schools should regularly organize speeches and similar activities, inviting experts to speak or allowing students to discuss their views on Tunxi Ancient Street and measures for its preservation.

3. Local schools should strengthen students’ sense of belonging to the area’s traditional architecture and surviving heritage, including Tunxi Ancient Street, and foster a sense of responsibility that arises from within.

d. Family Level

1. Parents should guide their children correctly and teach them to travel in a civilized manner.

2. Parents should lead by example and foster a positive family environment.

3. Local families should strengthen children’s sense of belonging to the traditional architecture and surviving heritage of their area, including Tunxi Ancient Street.

e. Individual Level

2. According to the latest information available on April 20, Huangshan City has begun the legislative process to protect Tunxi Ancient Street and has drafted a proposal for public consultation. As citizens, people should actively participate in the consultation, offer reasonable suggestions, and promote the successful enactment of the legislation in order to achieve more effective preservation.

f. Level of Relevant Professionals

1. Professionals should explain relevant knowledge so that people recognize the humanistic and cultural beauty of Tunxi Ancient Street and participate in its preservation from the inside out.

2. They should lead by example.

3. They should disseminate preservation methods and provide people with basic and effective ways to protect Tunxi Ancient Street.

4. According to the latest information available on April 20, Huangshan City has begun the legislative process to protect Tunxi Ancient Street and has drafted a proposal for public consultation. Relevant professionals should actively promote the successful enactment of the legislation, objectively explain its advantages and disadvantages to the public, and work to advance the legislative process so that better protection can be achieved.

2. General Direction for Resolving Problems at the Case-Study Site

1. The state, society, and other levels should establish clearer and more accurate guidance.

2. Professional understanding should be strengthened.

3. Preservation education should be brought into schools and made more explicit and detailed.

4. International recognition and participation by the entire population should be increased.

5. Mandatory measures should be strengthened.

Summary

Because of limitations in available conditions, this conclusion is inevitably partial. Following investigation, analysis, and research, the group reached the following conclusion: preservation measures and guiding principles for traditional villages, streets, and towns should be implemented at every level, including the state, society, individuals, and schools.

Publicity concerning preservation should be strengthened in all areas. Relevant reward policies and punishment mechanisms should be introduced. Various lectures should be organized, along with discussions involving multiple representatives, including experts, tourists, developers, and local residents.

References

1. Zhu Qin. “Conflicts and Coordination Between the Authentic Preservation and Development of Traditional Villages.” Journal of Small Town Construction, 2009, no. 5.

2. Lei Yu, Su Jihui, and Cheng Jun. “Preservation and Development of Historic Buildings amid Urbanization: Reflections on the Preservation of Xidi Ancient Village.” Engineering and Construction, 2009, no. 2.

3. Ma Guiling. “A Study of Planning and Development Strategies for Traditional Villages in Huizhou: An Empirical Analysis Based on Huangshan City.” 2016, no. 12.

4. Ye Yangpeng. “A Study of the Core Contradictions Facing the Development of Traditional Villages in Contemporary China: A Case Study of Wuyuan, Jiangxi.” 2010, no. 5.

5. All relevant policies and directives issued by the State Council and other state organs from 2008 to the present.

6. Wen Shitianci, Hu Zinan, Han Chizi, and Chen Qi. “The Current State of Traditional Chinese Culture and Countermeasures.” 2019, no. 1.

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