Urban Morphology and Tourism Planning: Exploring the City Wall in Pingyao, China

The article presents a case study of spatial morphology in Pingyao, Shanxi Province, to illustrate the significance of architectural heritage, particularly distinctive features of the city wall. It traces three stages of intramural and extramural changes under governmental policies as tourism has become a means of economic growth. Urban tourism has a profound impact on the transformation of the danwei units and preservation of historic buildings. The use of the city wall as a historical landmark promotes a sense of place and authenticity. This article ends by suggesting that the integration of spatial morphology with tourism planning will foster a better understanding of the complex interplay of urban form and function.