When the whole-nation system meets cultural heritage in China

China's mobilization of its 'whole-nation system' (juguo tizhi) to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for cultural sites, while aligning with global heritage discourses, risks overshadowing grassroots narratives and reinforcing statist approaches. This study, based on ethnographic fieldwork at three Hangzhou sites—West Lake Cultural Landscape, Grand Canal of China, and Liangzhu City—reveals tensions between Chinese and international heritage frameworks, particularly in how national goals are prioritized over local cultural preservation. The research suggests a shift toward global discourse integration, raising questions about the future impact on both China's heritage landscape and UNESCO's global standards.

Liu, Z., & Chang, J.-a. (2023). When the whole-nation system meets cultural heritage in China. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 30(6), 714–727. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2023.2249488