Abstract

Heritage serves as a pivotal medium in constructing collective memory and identity of nations and

social groups (Meskell, 2005). Post-colonial heritage, with its inherently negative historical attributes,

frequently becomes a contested site in heritage politics. As a prominent example of post-colonial

heritage, the legacy of concessions in China occupies the core of many urban areas. Preserving the

heritage value while addressing the discrepancies between their public perception and broader urban

image falls to local governance. However, some concession heritage sites remain underutilized, others

are dismantled due to their lack of alignment with state-promoted ideologies, and still others face

challenges of over-development and insufficient public engagement (Athanassiou et al., 2018).

Previous studies on the management of post-colonial heritage have analyzed the limitations posed

by insufficient policy support, competition for interpretive authority among multiple groups, and

neo-liberal regeneration strategies (Giblin, 2015). Nonetheless, previous studies have yet to fully elucidate

the nuanced strategies made by Chinese urban governments in dealing with concession heritage and the dilemmas they currently encounter. 

The concept of "storylines" is employed in this study to provide a comprehensive representation of heritage images produced through policy, media, and everyday talk, which thereby record both the negotiation process and its result. Using Shanghai as a case study, this research drew extensively on policies, historical records, planning documents, and official media reports concerning the conservation and utilization of concession heritage. We identified the dominant storylines in Shanghai's approach, examined their impact on public consciousness, and explored the cultural tensions they engender. Additionally, we investigated the mechanisms underpinning these narrative constructs, analyzing how stakeholder preferences and institutional configurations shape the representation of concession heritage.