Revitalization of Historic Buildings in China: A Strategic Framework for Adaptive Reuse and Cultural Revitalization of the Xuzhou Urban Area

Historic buildings are crucial for urban cultural continuity and sustainable development, but their protection and adaptive reuse are often constrained by institutional, financial, and managerial challenges. This study, using five historic buildings in Xuzhou as case studies, analyzes the key mechanisms influencing adaptive reuse, focusing on the impact of property rights structures, governance systems, and operational models on protection and reuse outcomes. Through semi-structured interviews with government officials, property owners, and the public, combined with on-site surveys and historical data, the study identifies fragmented property rights, limited funding, and homogeneous reuse models as the main barriers. It further highlights that clear property responsibility, a coordinated institutional framework, and diversified operational strategies are linked to successful adaptive reuse. The paper proposes a comprehensive framework covering policy regulation, financial investment, cultural activation, and restoration techniques. Five strategic recommendations are made: policy optimization, diversified funding, strengthened awareness, operational model upgrades, and multi-dimensional revitalization strategies. This research offers an empirical framework for the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, providing insights applicable to similar institutional and developmental contexts.