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The revitalisation of the historic city centre of Datong in Shanxi Province, China, is a complex process of heritage protection, economic modernisation, and social transformation. In the 21st century, urban revitalisation projects were developed and implemented to rebuild the ancient city walls, restore historic spaces, and promote tourism as a driver of local development. These initiatives improved the city’s image and infrastructure, but also presented numerous challenges related to authenticity, resettlement, and sustainable management. Datong was chosen as a case study because of its importance as an example of an industrial city transformed into a cultural and tourist centre. The study utilised terminological analysis and a literature review using databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). In situ observations were also employed, allowing the authors to explore socio-spatial processes. The study situates Datong within the broader context of the evolution of urban revitalisation in China, from centralised to pluralistic, stakeholder-based governance. Understanding the complexity of these processes can provide a point of reference for other countries seeking a balance between heritage protection and contemporary development.
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