Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Case Analysis on Creative Cultural Revitalization of Old Blocks and Urban Governance Upgrade under the Background of Urban Renewal

Xiaolei Li*
Macao University of Tourism

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

As urban renewal in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has entered the stage of stock organic renewal, the large-scale demolition and reconstruction renovation model has gradually faded out of practice, and the revitalization of old heritage relying on creative culture has become an important direction. Macao boasts a large number of old blocks and industrial sites carrying local historical memories, which are generally plagued by dilapidated buildings, abandoned functions and loss of vitality. Simple government-led engineering renovations cannot sustain long-term vitality, so it is urgent to examine heritage revitalization paths from the perspective of urban governance. Taking the revitalization project of Yilong Firecracker Factory in Macao as the research object, this paper adopts the case analysis method, combines the Creative City Theory, Genius Loci Theory and the Production of Space Theory, and discusses the internal logic of creative cultural revitalization driving the renewal of old blocks and promoting the upgrading of urban governance. The study finds that the intervention of creative culture can effectively activate idle industrial heritage and reshape the local genius loci, and a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance framework provides an institutional foundation for the sustainable operation of heritage. Meanwhile, the project is confronted with practical dilemmas including insufficient industrial sustainability, lack of community participation and conflicts in cultural tourism development. The research indicates that the revitalization of old blocks should not be limited to spatial transformation. Instead, a long-term governance system with multi-party participation should be constructed. This paper offers practical references for the organic renewal and heritage revitalization governance of similar historical districts in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Keywords: urban renewal; heritage revitalization; creative culture; urban governance; industrial heritage
Published: October 20, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT37858
Volume: CHR Vol.122
pp. 111-116
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