Different approaches in conservation of historic cities in China

Many Chinese cities have started urban conservation programmes but the focus has mainly been on the preservation of historic buildings and tourism. These programmes have been usually based on top-down and commercial development, which often leads to demolition of traditional blocks and relocation of the original inhabitants. However, some initial experimentation has been based on ‘cautious renovation’ as well as modernisation and participation and has achieved noteworthy results. This paper compares three different approaches ‘demolition + renovation’, ‘relocation + renovation’ and ‘renovation + participation’ using three realised projects as examples: Xin Tian Di of Shanghai, Lijiang of Yunnan Province and Yangzhou of Jiangsu Province. The focus is on sustainable conservation of historic cities and the role of engineers and their contribution.