Exploring Influential Factors for Decision-Making in the Directions of Urban Development: Urban House Displacement vs. Urban Heritage Protection

Rapid urbanization has become a defining feature of the twenty-first century, with urban systems playing a crucial role in driving displacement within cities. Often, this displacement serves as both a trigger and a catalyst for various urban crises, posing significant challenges to humanitarian efforts and sustainable development. One significant consequence of rapid urbanization is the displacement of urban homes, particularly noticeable in historic and heritage-rich cities, towns, and villages. In the manifestation of preserving urban heritage, these areas are transformed into sprawling open-air museums, leading to the eviction of residents. There are many cases of such type of displacement globally, often regarded as a gentrification process through which the original residents are directly or indirectly forced to move out of the preserved area/zone. This study delves into the intertwined dynamics of urban house displacement and heritage protection, aiming to identify key factors influencing decision-making in urban development directions. Employing grounded theory for cause extraction and categorization, the research provides insights into the political implications for urban planning and regeneration projects. The analysis focuses on case studies from three cities – Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La – in Yunnan Province, China's central-west and western regions. Drawing on mapping studies conducted on heritage sites in these cities in July and August 2022, the chapter examines issues related to urban regeneration and displacement scenarios. Through this exploration, the study seeks to stimulate further discussions on the underlying causes of resident displacement in such urban contexts.