CULTURAL LANDSCAPE HERITAGE SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE FROM RONGCHENG, CHINA

The protection and development of cultural landscape heritage play a crucial role in the sustainable development of rural areas. Previous studies have predominantly focused on the identification and evaluation of cultural landscapes, with limited attention paid to the relationship between these landscapes and sustainable rural development. Utilizing Rongcheng, China as a case study, this research identifies six genetic themes of the landscape—ecological landscape, spatial layout, traditional houses, spiritual culture, and behavioral culture—through literature review and field observation. This study demonstrates that these cultural landscapes are interconnected and do not exist in isolation. The insights gained from this research aim to support rural policymakers and managers in the sustainable conservation and development of rural cultural landscapes.