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

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  • Xiaoyan Su

    (State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
    Central Plains Economic Zone Smart Tourism Cooperative Innovation Center in Henan Province, School of Land and Tourism, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China)

  • Gary Gordon Sigley

    (School of Human Geography, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Changqing Song

    (State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoyan Su & Gary Gordon Sigley & Changqing Song, 2020. "Relational Authenticity and Reconstructed Heritage Space: A Balance of Heritage Preservation, Tourism, and Urban Renewal in Luoyang Silk Road Dingding Gate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:14:p:5830-:d:387029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaoyan Su & Changqing Song & Gary Sigley, 2019. "The Uses of Reconstructing Heritage in China: Tourism, Heritage Authorization, and Spatial Transformation of the Shaolin Temple," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Xiaoyan Su, 2018. "Reconstructing Tradition: Heritage Authentication and Tourism-Related Commodification of the Ancient City of Pingyao," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-18, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dawei Li & Shangyi Zhou, 2021. "Evaluating the Authenticity of Naxi Music in Three Stages from the Perspective of Naxi Musicians: An Application of Lacan’s Mirror Stage Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Shujing Dong & Danjie Shen, 2023. "A Study of Historical Urban Landscape Layering in Luoyang Based on Historical Map Translation," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Husanjon Juraturgunov & Murodjon Raimkulov & Young-joo Ahn & Eunice Minjoo Kang, 2023. "World Heritage Site Tourism and Destination Loyalty along the Silk Road: A Study of U.S. Travelers in Uzbekistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, June.

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