From the sacred to the secular: modern transformation of Dai settlement heritages from material, spiritual and social perspectives

Purpose This study aims to establish a theoretical framework to explore the generation and evolution of Dai settlements in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. The study of Dai settlements is essential for comprehending, preserving and developing the Dai ethnic cultural heritages amid rapid modernization. Design/methodology/approach This article examines the traditional villages in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, with a focus on Dai settlements and dwellings from the 1980s to the present, employing a multidisciplinary approach consisting of theoretical analysis, field research and graphic interpretation. Findings This study investigates the material, spiritual and social dimensions that have shaped the formation and evolution of the Dai villages amid modernization. By analyzing two representative spatial cases, it illustrates that Dai villages emerged from a dynamic interplay among multiple dimensions, with varying degrees of impact at every stage. Originality/value This three-dimensional analytical framework offers a deeper understanding of rural settlements from both internal and external perspectives. It provides theoretical insights and practical guidance for architects, planners and policymakers engaged in cultural heritage conservation and rural revitalization.