International Summer School on Cultural Heritage Tourism and Communication

Theoretical Foundation and Case Studies

Distinguished scholars from home and abroad will be invited to deliver systematic lectures on the policy framework and cutting-edge theories of cultural heritage conservation in China, innovative pathways for heritage revitalization (such as digital technologies and community co-construction), as well as the intrinsic links between cultural heritage, local sustainable development and the improvement of people’s well-being. The course will incorporate in-depth analyses of domestic and international practical cases.

High-Level Dialogues and Experience Sharing

Special seminars and roundtable discussions will be held in conjunction with the Center for Tourism Development and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University. On the one hand, focusing on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, cultural heritage administrators, scholars and community representatives from the three regions will be invited to discuss the opportunities and challenges of coordinating urban renewal, tourism development and heritage conservation. On the other hand, community-driven models of heritage protection and tourism development, including the Azheke Project, will be explored in depth to identify effective pathways for cultural heritage to empower rural revitalization.

In-depth Field Study

A one-week immersive field investigation will be organized to three representative heritage sites:

Ancient City of Chaozhou: Participants will examine the integrated conservation practices of this famous historical and cultural city, with a focus on the protection and utilization of iconic heritage sites such as Guangji Bridge and Memorial Archway Street. They will also experience the living inheritance of intangible cultural heritage including Chao embroidery, ceramic art and Yingge dance, and explore models for the deep integration of culture and tourism.

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages: At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visits will be made to diaolou clusters including Zili Village and Majianglong Village to assess their conservation status, and research will be conducted on the preservation and development of Chikan Ancient Town. Particular attention will be paid to the creative transformation and innovative development of Qiaoxiang (overseas Chinese hometown) culture under the rural revitalization strategy, and to the synergistic mechanisms between architectural heritage conservation and community development.

Nanhai District, Foshan: Focusing on the contemporary communication and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, participants will visit dragon boat training bases and lion dance inheritance halls to understand the inheritance systems, performance innovations and industrial development of traditional folk sports (dragon boat and lion dance) in modern society, and explore their cultural values and role in enhancing community cohesion.

Achievement Summary and Presentation

Working in groups, participants will summarize and refine their findings based on theoretical learning and field investigations, then develop and present an innovative plan for the conservation, revitalization or communication of a specific heritage site. A closing ceremony will be held, and a long-term networking platform for participants will be established.