Research on the governance practice of heritage area in China and Italy: reflections on spatial equity

This paper examines the governance logic and issues of equity in heritage governance through comparison discussion of practice in China and Italy. It proposes a “Heritage-Tourism-Commerce (HTC)” structural framework to analyse how spatial strategies influence spatial equity, including social participation and interest distribution. The study reveals that the Chinese case emphasises government-led initiatives and brand integration, achieving rapid visual renewal but often leading to resident relocation and the exclusion of small businesses. Italy, on the other hand, adopts an embedded approach, emphasising community collaboration and gradual renewal, balancing economic development with social inclusion. The article draws three practical implications: establishing a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance mechanism, developing localised assessment tools, and promoting a “micro-renewal + community co-construction” practice pathway. The study underlies that heritage area renewal is not merely about spatial restructuring but also concerns social equity and institutional adaptability.