This book delves deep into China's World Heritage - listed urban sites: Pingyao, Lijiang, Macao, and Kulangsu (Gulangyu), which cities, as living cultural heritage, offer a rich vein of research material. The book uncovers how these cities have evolved over time, bringing insights for understanding the long - term processes shaping urban heritage globally. By exploring their urban spatial layouts, it explores how different cultures and historical periods have influenced the organization of urban space. Architectural ensembles and residential environments in these cities are also closely examined offering a fresh perspective on architectural styles and housing cultures that have been preserved over centuries, contributing to cross - cultural research on architecture. The cultural characteristics and conservation practices are thoroughly explored. Through vivid descriptions and in - depth analysis, this book not only presents authoritative and up - to - date knowledge on world heritage but also enriches the global academic discourse on urban heritage. It is an essential read for heritage studies academics, offering new research angles and data for those exploring urban heritage from a global perspective.

Autorentext

Shao Yong is Professor of College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University; Vice President of ICOMOS-CIAV; Expert member of ICOMOS-ISCEAH; Vice Secretary-General, National Committee of Historical and Cultural Cities Conservation, China Association of City Planning; Vice Director, Academic Department, Historic and Cultural Cities Committee, Chinese Society For Urban Studies. Shao Yong was was awarded the title of Foreign Member of the Académie d'Architecture.

Zhou Jian is Professor of College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University. For a long time, Zhou Jian is engaged in research, teaching, and training on urban and rural cultural heritage protection, urban renewal, and urban design. Zhou Jian has organized and participated in a number of training and research projects on risk assessment, management planning, capacity building of historical urban landscape, and heritage site of Asia-Pacific world heritage sites.