Residents’ perspectives on the efficacy of government strategies for urban heritage conservation in Guancheng District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China

Urban cultural heritage conservation in China, mainly driven by top-down management, heavily relies on national leadership. However, there is a lack of systematic research investigating residents’ perspectives on the effectiveness of Chinese government conservation strategies. Taking the Guancheng district in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, as a case study, this study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative analysis through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants and quantitative analysis from a survey of 294 respondents. It aims to assess the impact and outreach of the local government conservation strategies. The findings reveal limited public interest and awareness regarding the government’s efforts to conserve Guancheng’s heritage sites. To support these conservation initiatives, this study proposes strategies to foster public participation, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of urban cultural heritage conservation in China. The insights from this case study may serve as a guiding reference for similar initiatives in other cities or districts across the country.