Heritage in simulation: the heritagisation of a Chinese theme park

This study investigates the transformation of cultural theme parks into heritage spaces in contemporary China, taking Splendid China Folk Village as a critical case. Adopting a dual analytical stance—heritage agnosticism and heritage as liberation—it examines how simulated environments reconfigure historical narratives and emotional attachments in post-authentic heritage experiences. Drawing on qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews (n = 50) and participant observation, the findings show that Splendid China Folk Village’s enduring relevance lies not in historical accuracy but in its function as a prosthetic memoryscape. Through symbolic theming, ritual participation, and affective immersion, visitors co-produce heritage meanings that transcend institutional scripts. The study demonstrates that theme parks such as Splendid China Folk Village facilitate a shift from preservation-oriented heritage to emotionally resonant, performatively sustained cultural landscapes. It advances critical heritage scholarship by revealing the dynamic interplay among simulation, participation, and ideological framing, while offering practical guidance for managing heritage tourism in rapidly urbanising contexts. The paper calls for a redefinition of heritage evaluation criteria—moving away from static notions of authenticity toward socially situated, participatory practices of meaning-making in postmodern tourism.