FROM CULTURAL HERITAGE TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: GOVERNANCE INSIGHTS FROM QINGSHANGUAN RURAL HOMESTAY RENOVATION

Abstract

This study explores how cultural heritage governance can drive experiential tourism and rural development through the case of the Qingshanguan Homestay renovation in Hebei Province, China. Situated within the Great Wall Cultural Belt, Qingshanguan provides a unique context where heritage preservation, community participation, and rural revitalization intersect. Using a qualitative approach that combines field research, interviews, surveys, and case analysis, the study examines how local authorities, village committees, residents, and tourism stakeholders collaborate to balance cultural protection with economic growth. The findings show that embedding Great Wall narratives and symbols into homestay renewal transforms static relics into living cultural resources, while differentiated experiential strategies tailored to families, youth backpackers, middle-aged leisure travelers, and elderly wellness visitors enhance cultural immersion, extend stays, and foster intergenerational interaction. At the same time, participatory governance mechanisms generate employment, improve spatial quality, and strengthen community identity, illustrating how experiential tourism can be governed as a tool for sustainable local development. The study proposes a replicable governance pathway model—Cultural Heritage Governance → Experiential Tourism → Sustainable Rural Development—that demonstrates the potential of heritage-led initiatives to reconcile preservation with revitalization. The research offers theoretical insights and practical implications for policymakers, administrators, and practitioners seeking to integrate cultural heritage into rural governance strategies.