Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development in Kunming Old Street Historical and Cultural District by Participatory Design

Abstract

Kunming Old Street Historical and Cultural District, located in the central urban area of Kunming, Yunnan Province, represents one of the most historically significant districts in Southwest China. As an important node of commerce and culture since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the district has undergone rapid transformation in the context of urban renewal and tourism development. Issues such as gentrification, cultural homogenization, and spatial displacement have challenged its historical authenticity and community vitality. Against this background, this research aims to explore strategies for the protection and sustainable development of Kunming Old Street based on Participatory Action Research (PAR). The study addresses three core objectives: (a) to identify key challenges and stakeholder perceptions regarding heritage conservation; (b) to establish a participatory design framework for community co-conservation; and (c) to develop replicable strategies for sustainable cultural heritage revitalization.

Methodologically, this research employs a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative tools. Through three iterative PAR cycles of Planning–Action–Observation–Reflection, the study integrates interviews, questionnaires, district mapping, co-creation workshops, and field observation. These multi-stakeholder participations—covering residents, experts, and visitors—form the empirical foundation for the PHSD Model framework, which link participatory design principles with heritage conservation practice.

Findings reveal that participatory co-design effectively enhances local identity, promotes community inclusion, and strengthens collective memory within the district. The study concludes that a participatory design–driven model can bridge the gap between cultural conservation and urban sustainability, providing a strategic pathway for revitalizing historical and cultural districts in China and beyond.

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