Email: shuangning.li@polimi.it

Affiliation: Politecnico di Milano

Nationality: Chinese

Rediscovering Marginal Areas: Songyang under the "Save Old House" Project.

Abstract

In 2012, urbanization trends favored demolishing old structures to build new ones. However, against this backdrop, Songyang began exploring an approach that prioritized restoration over demolition, focusing on entire villages to protect and preserve historic settlements. In October 2013, the Songyang County Government issued policies emphasizing the protection of ancient villages and branding Songyang as a hub for such heritage. In January 2016, Songyang was designated as the only county-wide pilot site for the nationwide “Save Old House” Project. Then, the Project was included in the 2022 Central Document No. 1. This work uses Songyang’s “Save Old House” Project as a case study to address the question: “Why has a remote mountain and marginal county in Zhejiang become one of the most sought-after destinations in rural China?” Through in-depth interviews conducted during village residency and analysis of trending posts on digital platforms, the study explores how the project impacts diverse groups, including second-home buyers, rural investors, small business operators, and digital nomads. Findings reveal that this project drives marginal areas to gain appeal as models for balanced work and leisure, with partially abandoned historic centers in natural surroundings becoming attractive to diverse groups. This rediscovery of smaller rural centers reinforced local community initiatives, while cultural events played a vital role in preserving village identities and supporting place-based projects for revitalizing these marginal towns. One of the most overlooked aspects of this transformation is the emergence of digital nomads and small business operators as key contributors to Songyang’s rural revitalization. Digital nomads, often seeking an escape from urban congestion, are drawn to Songyang’s slow-paced lifestyle, affordable living costs, and high-quality environment. With reliable internet infrastructure and flexible work arrangements, they repurpose historical buildings into co-working spaces, creative studios, and remote work retreats, fostering a culture of innovation in a traditionally agrarian society. Their presence also helps promote Songyang on digital platforms, indirectly contributing to its growing reputation as a rural retreat. Similarly, small business operators, particularly those in the hospitality, artisanal crafts, and specialty food sectors, find Songyang an ideal location for niche ventures. By integrating local cultural elements into their businesses, they create sustainable economic opportunities that align with heritage preservation efforts. These entrepreneurs, often former urban dwellers seeking a slower and more fulfilling lifestyle, introduce contemporary business practices that enhance rural economies without undermining traditional ways of life. Their efforts, combined with governmental incentives, ensure that the “Save Old House” Project is not only about preserving structures but also about sustaining communities. By analyzing these groups, this work highlights how Songyang’s transformation extends beyond mere architectural conservation. The influx of digital nomads and small entrepreneurs represents a shift in the perception of marginal areas, turning them into experimental spaces for alternative living and working arrangements. While challenges such as social integration and infrastructure adaptation persist, Songyang’s case demonstrates how rural revitalization can attract diverse participants and redefine the value of China’s historic villages.

Bio

Shuangning Li, PhD. Her research field is heritage conservation, architectural antropology and rural sociology.

Shuangning has enrolled as a PhD candidate of Politecnico di Milano from Feb 2022 until Jun 2025. Her PhD research is

"Cultural Heritage and Conservation Strategies in Rural China: from the Villagers' Perspective. The Cross-relation between departmental policies and involvements of local communities in Songyang County."

She proposed a focus on the impacts observed by different public strategies for the revitalization of some selected villages, and the approaches matured with local people's engagement.

These place-based work provided good relationships with other research institutions

(Tsinghua University) and increased the research network.

Shuangning was invited to collaborate on some projects managed by other universities on this territory that is considered strategic also by some government departments in China.