“Creative” uses of heritage in the age of experiential tourism: The case of Tianjin’s former international concessions
Since the late 1990s, heritage reuse for cultural purposes has become a widespread phenomenon in major Chinese cities. Heritage-led projects aim to foster the development of new urban functions, transforming historical spaces into magnets for leisure and tourism. These government-led projects often attract local entrepreneurs, who capitalize on heritage settings as a breeding ground for new activities, such as design galleries, art and craft stores, cafés, gourmet restaurants, and microbreweries. Tianjin, a city 120 km south of Beijing, has embraced this trend by implementing ambitious projects to preserve and enhance its former Western concessions (19th – 20th centuries). While the “creative” use of heritage is a common feature of both Western and Chinese cities, Tianjin presents a particularly compelling case due to the dissonant nature of its former concession heritage. This article analyzes the relationship between creative (re)uses of heritage and cultural tourism in Tianjin’s former Western concessions. Specifically, it questions the influence of the re-functionalization of historical buildings in the former concessions, mainly for leisure and tourism purposes, on their recognition as heritage. To address this, the study draws on four case studies in Tianjin’s former Western concessions, employing qualitative data collected through participatory and non-participatory observations, thematic analysis of institutional documents, and semi-structured interviews with officials and local stakeholders. The findings highlight how creative uses of heritage could enhance tourism experiences and contribute to economic and cultural revitalization. These practices might foster a deeper engagement with the past while supporting sustainable tourism development.
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