Diversifying Rural Revitalisation Using Heritage Assets and Multiple Pathways to Achieve Sustainability: The Case of Dachikan Village, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China

<p>This thesis explores how to diversify rural revitalisation using multiple heritage assets and pathways to achieve sustainable development, focusing on three dimensions of People, Prosperity and Partnership (3Ps), with a case study of Dachikan Village in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. By employing a mixed method combining literature research, comparative case studies, non participant observation, open-ended interviews, a questionnaire-based market survey and SWOT analysis, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of Dachikan's current situation and potential for sustainable development. </p><p></p><p>The study reveals that Dachikan's current reliance on a single heritage asset – Char Siu [i.e., roast pork] and spare ribs – poses risks to its sustainability. The study identifies several key findings. In terms of the People dimension, Dachikan exhibits strong community bonds and social cohesion but faces challenges in intergenerational cultural transmission and outflow of young labour. Regarding the Prosperity dimension, the village provides limited job opportunities and tourists driven by Char Siu and spare ribs bring limited benefits to most of the villagers. As for the Partnership dimension, the governance of heritage assets is fragmented, with different Village Small Groups managing ancestral halls independently, leading to varying conservation conditions. Additionally, villagers expressed a willingness to engage in heritage conservation, but lack the capacity and channels. </p><p></p><p>The study also identifies that Dachikan holds rich and underutilised heritage assets, including ancestral halls, historical narratives, and cultural landscapes. The village’s unique history that dates back to the Song-Yuan dynastic transition, its connection with the Song Dynasty imperial family and its proximity to Huangyang Mountain which has natural and historical significance, provide potential for diversified rural revitalisation. Drawing on comparative cases of Lai Chi Wo, Hongcun, and Taomi Eco-Village, the study proposes integrated strategies such as cultural experience activities, ecological protection programmes and research collaboration platforms. These strategies aim to enhance cultural identity, economic resilience and community engagement. </p><p></p><p>The thesis concludes that diversified strategies have significant potential to improve Dachikan’s rural revitalisation. By leveraging Dachikan’s abundant heritage assets and adopting multiple pathways that satisfy the requirements of People, Prosperity and Partnership aligned with the SDGs, the village could achieve sustainable development. The findings of the study offer insights for other rural villages that also face similar challenges, and provides a reference for rural heritage conservation and rural revitalisation efforts.</p>