Publication
This article examines the anthropological approach to study heritage in urban landscapes, focusing on how cultural assets are constructed, preserved, and contested. The discussion situates heritage within evolving institutional frameworks, questioning the criteria for heritage designation and its implications for communities. A key focus is the "anthropologisation" of culture – a trend supported by UNESCO conventions that emphasise intangible heritage and community participation. Policy frameworks such as the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach and ICOMOS charters exemplify a shift from a universalist perspective on heritage to more culturally relativist viewpoints. The case study of Beijing's Gulou neighbourhood illustrates the complexities of heritage preservation in rapidly evolving urban environments, underscoring community resistance and alternative memory practices. This article also discusses the emerging interdisciplinary field of heritage sciences, where social sciences and technology converge to redefine conservation practices. By analysing the intersections of heritage, memory, and policy, it enriches discussions on cultural identity and the evolving role of heritage in contemporary urban landscapes.