Bridging Culture and Community: A Study on the Community Participation Mechanism for the Revitalization of Chikan Old Street in Zhanjiang

Abstract

Historical district revitalization in contemporary China often encounters a critical tension between state-led infrastructural efficiency and the organic preservation of community life. This study examines the revitalization of Chikan Old Street in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, as a paradigmatic case study to explore the mechanisms of community participation in heritage conservation. Adopting a qualitative case study design, this research utilizes participatory observation and semi-structured interviews to investigate the barriers to effective community engagement. Through the theoretical lens of Empowerment Theory and the ERG (Existence, Relatedness, Growth) framework, the study reveals structural disconnects in the current top-down governance model, including policy discontinuity and social fragmentation. The findings underscore the paradox of popularity, where increased visibility leads to the dilution of local identity. This study proposes a professionalized social work intervention mechanism. By establishing a multi-stakeholder collaborative platform, social workers can bridge the gap between government objectives and resident needs, employing cultural mapping and micro-regeneration tactics to restore community agency.