Urban Heritage Policy in China: A Case Study of Preservation Systems in Wuhan

Balancing the preservation of historical buildings with urban development is a global challenge in the context of rapid urbanization. This study focuses on heritage protection policies in China, using Wuhan as a case study to explore how governmental agencies address this conflict through top-down policy adjustments and planning measures. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) data analysis, field investigations, and semi-structured interviews to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of heritage preservation in Wuhan and the effectiveness of related policies. The findings reveal that while heritage protection regulations are in place, their implementation faces significant challenges, including low public participation, limited funding, and insufficient policy enforcement. By integrating historical buildings with cultural tourism, governments and private stakeholders are working toward a new balance between preservation and reuse, creating economic incentives that support heritage conservation. This study not only highlights the practical challenges of heritage preservation in Wuhan but also offers insights for developing heritage management policies in other cities of the developing countries facing similar issues.