Localization and Application of Scene Theory in the Context of Historic Town Preservation in China: A Case Study of Shannxi Mizhi Ancient Town

Abstract

Under the discourse of value inheritance in Chinese historic towns, the dual challenge of preserving cultural heritage and revitalizing urban vitality has emerged as a pivotal issue in contemporary urban studies. Clark’s scene theory, with its innovative theoretical framework and quantitative analytical methodology for assessing cultural values, has stimulated extensive interdisciplinary research and academic discussions. This study employs Mizhi County as a representative case to establish a localized interpretation and analytical framework of scene theory within the Chinese context. The findings reveal that creative scenescapes serve as crucial catalysts for heritage conservation and vitality regeneration. Furthermore, scene measurement proves effective in quantifying value orientation transmission and public perception patterns, providing empirical evidence that cultural spaces function as dynamic mediators between historical continuity and contemporary urban development.