Urban Revitalization of World Heritage Cities Through Cultural and Creative Industries: A Case Study of Pingyao Under the Cities, Culture, and Creativity Framework

Abstract

World Heritage plays a vital role in promoting sustainable urban development. Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have gained recognition as an effective instrument for urban revitalization in recent years. The Cities, Culture, and Creativity (CCC) framework introduced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank emphasizes the core role of culture and creativity in enhancing urban competitiveness, attractiveness, and sustainability. Based on that framework, this study takes Pingyao as a case study, using a literature review and non-participatory observation, systematically examines its assets and resources, assesses the outcomes at the spatial, economic, and social levels, and explores how CCIs, with the support of enabling factors, contribute to urban revitalization. The findings indicate that Pingyao, relying on its historical and cultural heritage, promotes the development of CCIs, resulting in significant spatial optimization, economic growth, and social benefits, while also shaping unique cultural brands. This study verifies the applicability of the CCC framework in analyzing the urban revitalization mechanism, further reveals the role of CCIs in the revitalization of World Heritage cities, enriches the urban regeneration theory, and offers theoretical and practical reference for the revitalization and sustainable development of other World Heritage cities.

1. Introduction

World Heritage is a global commonwealth, carrying rich historical, cultural, and artistic values, and plays an important role in proving history and cultural heritage [1,2]. Since the signing of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1972, a total of 1223 heritage sites had been listed on the World Heritage List as of 2024, of which 59 are in China [3]. The Chinese World Heritage sites have rich and diverse value due to their large number, long history, and wide spatial distribution [4], which reflect the cultural diversity and historical depth of China.

Nevertheless, the conservation and utilization of many Chinese World Heritage sites still face many challenges. Because of economic, social, and technological constraints, some of the heritage sites have not been properly developed and protected, and the country has not been able to fully realize their potential to promote local economic development [5,6]. Achieving a balance between conservation and utilization remains a significant challenge. In addition, with the rapid advancement of digital and technological innovation, the traditional tourism development model can no longer meet the needs of heritage conservation and rational utilization [7,8]. Some heritage sites are caught in a vicious circle due to overdevelopment, underinvestment, and low profitability [7]. Therefore, exploring new models of sustainable conservation and utilization of World Heritage has become the key to achieving the coordinated development of culture, the economy, and society.

In this context, cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have become an important path to revitalizing World Heritage cities because of their ability to give heritage sites more cultural and economic value and competitiveness [8]. The concept of CCIs spread rapidly around the world after it was first proposed in the UK in 1998 [9,10]. China also entered a period of comprehensive development of CCIs after the promulgation of the Cultural Industry Revitalization Plan in 2009 [11,12]. To follow this trend, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank proposed the Cities, Culture, and Creativity (CCC) framework, which provides a theoretical basis for the promotion of sustainable urban development and urban revitalization by CCIs [13].

Although the CCC framework offers important theoretical support for the promotion of urban revitalization by CCIs, its application in studies related to Chinese World Heritage cities is still limited. The current research mainly focuses on the description of case phenomena and empirical generalization, and it lacks the support of a systematic analytical framework, limiting the generalizability and practical guidance value of the research findings. Therefore, this study analyzes how Chinese World Heritage cities use CCIs to achieve revitalization based on the CCC framework, to fill the gaps in existing research and provide reference experiences and theoretical guidance for similar cities.

This study takes Pingyao as a case study to explore how CCIs contribute to the revitalization and sustainable development of World Heritage cities. The World Heritage Ancient City of Ping Yao, located in Shanxi Province, China, was an important financial, commercial, and artistic center during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is particularly famous for the “Ping Yao Draft Bank”, which is one of the original places of modern banking in China. However, because of war and other factors, the Ancient City of Ping Yao declined rapidly in the mid-to-late 20th century. It was not until the Ancient City of Ping Yao was listed as a World Heritage site that it regained attention [14]. In recent decades, Pingyao has successfully achieved urban revitalization and sustainable development through the development of CCIs, and it has become a model for the protection and utilization of World Heritage. Therefore, Pingyao was selected as the subject of this study.

Against that background, the core issue of this study is how World Heritage cities achieve urban revitalization and sustainable development through CCIs. Specifically, this study will focus on the following issues:

Research Question 1: What assets and resources are available to Pingyao in the development of CCIs?

Research Question 2: What are the types of CCIs in Pingyao?

Research Question 3: What are the key enabling factors that play a role in the urban regeneration of Pingyao through CCIs?

Research Question 4: What are the core outcomes achieved by Pingyao in the development of CCIs?

The purpose of this study is to explore how CCIs function in promoting the revitalization and sustainable development of a World Heritage city based on the CCC framework. For that purpose, by analyzing the case of Pingyao, this study assesses the applicability of the CCC framework in the Chinese cultural context and provides new theoretical perspectives and practical insights for similar heritage cities. The research results can provide references for World Heritage cities on how to formulate sustainable development strategies while enriching academic discussions on World Heritage conservation and sustainable utilization and deepening our understanding of the interactions between CCIs and urban revitalization.

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1. Overview of CCC Framework

In 2021, UNESCO and the World Bank jointly introduced the CCC framework (Figure 1). This framework aims to promote CCIs, facilitate urban revitalization and sustainable development through the balanced allocation of cultural, human, and urban resources, as well as strengthen urban competitiveness, safeguard cultural diversity, and foster creative talent [13]. It has demonstrated the vital role of cultural heritage in CCIs and urban revitalization in global case studies [13,15]. However, despite the richness of Chinese World Heritage resources, many cities remain underdeveloped, and there is limited localized research on the application of the CCC framework, particularly in understanding how CCIs contribute to sustainable urban revitalization. Pingyao, the location of the Ancient City of Ping Yao, a World Heritage site, serves as an ideal case for this research. Pingyao has successfully pursued urban revitalization by leveraging its rich cultural heritage to develop diversified CCIs. Therefore, this study adopts the CCC framework and uses Pingyao as a case study for systematic analysis, addressing the outlined research gap and offering both theoretical and practical insights for urban revitalization and sustainable development.

2.2. CCC Framework Structure

The CCC framework consists of three layers (Figure 1): the core layer contains assets and resources (i.e., culture and creativity), the middle layer contains six enabling factors, and the final layer contains spatial, economic, and social outcomes. The framework’s core logic is that cities promote the CCIs through enabling factors and transform culture and creativity into spatial, economic, and social outcomes [13]. To ensure long-term and sustainable outcomes, enabling factors need to be aligned with sustainable development goals, such as enhancing resource utilization efficiency, promoting inclusive growth, and strengthening cultural identity [13]. The CCC framework offers a more comprehensive and systematic analytical perspective than traditional urban revitalization approaches. Through its three-layered structure, it links cultural heritage resources, CCIs, and the enablers and outcomes of urban development, offering a clearer understanding of how CCIs contribute to sustainable urban development. It facilitates the optimal allocation of assets and resources through enabling factors, thereby advancing the development of CCIs and contributing to the revitalization and sustainable development of heritage cities. It is particularly suited to addressing the complex challenge of balancing cultural preservation and economic development in heritage cities, offering a more systematic understanding of the role of CCIs in sustainable urban development. Based on the CCC framework and in the context of Pingyao, this study offers a systematic overview of the assets and resources of Pingyao, analyzes the key enabling factors for its success and the spatial, economic, and social outcomes it has achieved, and provides a reference for other heritage cities.

2.2.1. Core Layer: Assets and Resources

Within the CCC framework, assets and resources, i.e., culture and creativity, are important driving forces for the sustainable development of World Heritage cities (Figure 1). Cities develop CCIs through diverse cultural and creative resources and form urban creative economies, which are one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world economy. The theory of the CCC framework classifies CCIs into seven categories, where each category corresponds to assets and resources [13]. These provide the impetus for the sustainable development of World Heritage cities.

2.2.2. Middle Layer: Enabling Factors

The middle layer of the CCC framework consists of six key enabling factors that drive the development of the city’s CCIs (Figure 1). These enabling factors are critical to the development of heritage cities’ CCIs and effectively facilitate the transformation of cities’ assets and resources into spatial, economic, and social outcomes. These enabling factors include the following:

• Physical and Spatial Environment: Urban Infrastructure and Livability

The physical and spatial environment is the foundation for the development of CCIs. It covers the living environment, workspace, and urban infrastructure. Livability and affordability are important indicators of the living environment, while workspaces should have the function of facilitating creative exchange [13]. This study investigates the characteristics and development potential of the physical and spatial environments of Pingyao, focusing on creative activity spaces, and the coordinated development of cultural heritage and modern facilities.

2.

Human Capital: Skills and Innovation

Human capital is the core impetus of CCIs. It covers the professional talents in the fields of art, digital technology, big data, and other creative industries. Cities need to provide learning and innovation opportunities and establish life-long learning systems. In World Heritage cities, creative and non-creative professionals work together to promote industrial development, and industrial development leads to an increase in employment [13]. This study analyzes the sources and types of creative workers in Pingyao and investigates its talent training and innovation initiatives.

3.

Networks and Support Infrastructure: Social Networks, Catalyzers, Support, and Finance

Networks and supporting infrastructure are core elements for the development of CCIs and can facilitate cooperation and innovation. In respect to finance, emerging models such as crowdfunding funds are gradually emerging. The comprehensive support ecosystem consisting of government logistics and other support underpins the growth of creative talents and enterprises, which enhances the creative capacity of the city [13]. This study analyzes the social network structure of Pingyao and clarifies the dominant actor, the catalyst actor, and their roles in funding and resource support.

4.

Institutional and Regulatory Environment: Inclusive Institutions, Regulations, and Partnerships

Sound laws, regulations, and policies create a safe environment for free expression and creativity among practitioners, while cooperation with multiple stakeholders provides stable support for CCIs. Healthy systems, regulations, and partnerships are particularly important to help safeguard the rights and interests of participating stakeholders [13]. This study identifies the policies and regulations of the Pingyao government and its higher authorities that support CCIs and analyzes their existing partnerships.

5.

The Benefits of Uniqueness

The benefits of uniqueness are the core elements that distinguish a city from others, avoiding global standardization of cities and promoting innovation and creative development. World Heritage cities have natural advantages due to the rareness and the uniqueness of World Heritage sites [2]. This study analyzes the benefits of the uniqueness of the cultural heritage of Pingyao and investigates the path of its integration with CCIs.

6.

Digital Environment

The digital environment is the core foundation for the development of CCIs. Digital technology innovates and changes the mode of operation and creative embodiment of CCIs. However, the development of digital technology also brings problems such as data security. Therefore, urban digital transformation must balance technological innovation with human-centered values [13]. This study analyzes the application of digital technologies in Pingyao and its strategic measures for enhancing digital inclusion and innovation.

2.2.3. Final Layer: Outcomes

The final layer of the CCC framework refers to the outcomes achieved by cities through the development of CCIs facilitated by six enabling factors, including spatial, economic, and social outcomes (Figure 1). In the CCC framework, the meanings of the three outcomes are as follows:

• Spatial Outcomes

Culture and creativity promote urban revitalization, enhance the attraction and livability of cities, and facilitate the clustering of CCIs. The development of CCIs produces diverse spatial outcomes; in particular, utilizing cultural heritage and other resources can produce unique spatial outcomes [13]. This study summarizes the outcomes achieved by Pingyao through the development of CCIs and the significance of the development of the city based on the classification of urban amenities.

2.

Economic Outcomes

The CCIs have contributed significantly to promoting economic development and employment, especially by providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, thus enhancing social inclusiveness and contributing to regional economic development. In addition, the government has to improve relevant policies and regulations to ensure the fair participation of all classes [13]. Based on relevant data and information such as the economic indicators of Pingyao, this study discusses the industrial and employment structure and their influence.

3.

Social Outcomes

The development of CCIs enhances the urban environment and quality of life and strengthens the sense of cultural identification. Moreover, the synergy of internal and external networks of the industry promotes the upgrading within the industry and the integration of related industries [13]. This study analyzes the social outcomes achieved in Pingyao and their impacts on the aspects of cultural development, industrial cooperation, and the well-being of residents.

3. Methodology

3.1. Research Design

This study adopts a qualitative case study approach to explore how CCIs promote urban revitalization. The case study is an appropriate method to investigate a phenomenon in depth when the boundaries between the phenomenon and the context are unclear [16]. Pingyao is selected as the case of this study for typicality and representativeness due to its World Heritage status and CCI-driven urban revitalization characteristics.

This study relies on the CCC framework proposed by UNESCO and the World Bank as the analytical foundation [13]. The framework has a clear structure and hierarchy, providing strong support for analyzing the urban regeneration and sustainable development of cultural heritage cities. It can comprehensively analyze the interactions among the World Heritage, urban development, and CCIs, which complies with the purpose of this study.

3.2. Data Collection

Data collection was carried out from November 2024 to January 2025, covering the period from January 2013 to December 2023 for Pingyao. This is the complete range of data currently available. The data for 2024 are not yet fully publicly available and may be further supplemented by future research.

Referring to the document analysis method proposed by Bowen [17], this study adopts a multi-source data collection method to ensure the diversity and comprehensiveness of the data. Data sources include official government platforms (e.g., the official website of the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the official website of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province, the official website of the People’s Government of Pingyao County), CCI network platforms (e.g., official website of the Ancient City of Ping Yao, official Weibo of Seeing Pingyao Again, official website of Pingyao International Photography Festival, official website of Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival), and the academic literature, policy documents, local development plans, statistical yearbooks, research reports, and other related documents.

In addition, this study takes a non-participatory observation approach to fieldwork on the Ancient City of Ping Yao and related CCIs, focusing on the utilization of cultural space, the conservation and revitalization of heritage authenticity, and the behavioral patterns of tourists. For the systematization and comparison of observational data, this study developed a standardized observation outline during fieldwork and used a uniform recording form to ensure the consistency and comparison of data across time and observation sites. This approach ensures the systematization, comparability, and standardization of non-participant observations [18].

3.3. Data Analysis

The data analyses adopted the content analysis method by Krippendorff, which is a research methodology for extracting repeatable and plausible inferences from textual data [19]. The analysis process includes the (1) formulation of classification criteria, based on the CCC framework, identifying the main categories for analysis (assets and resources, 6 enabling factors, and 3 outcomes); (2) screening and collation of information, based on the research questions and research objectives, which involves screening relevant content from the collected literature, reports, observation notes, etc., and eliminating irrelevant or insufficiently informative materials; (3) material structuring and conceptual refinement, which comprises systematically sorting the screened valid materials, identifying the core themes, clarifying the logical relationship between the materials, and gradually establishing the analytical structure and conceptual system; (4) comprehensive analysis and theoretical linkage, combining the CCC framework to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the materials in order to reveal the role mechanism of CCIs in the revitalization of World Heritage cities; and (5) validation and correction, through repeated reading and comparative analysis, to test the thematic consistency and logical rationality, and utilizing a triangulation of information from multiple sources to ensure the credibility and validity of the research results. In order to enhance its credibility and validity, this study followed the principles of multiple sources of information, standardization of observation, transparency of data refinement, and systematization of interpretation in the process of data collection and analysis, so as to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of the research results.

3.4. Case Context: Pingyao

Pingyao County is one of the most well-preserved ancient counties in China, with approximately 300 historic monuments. The Ancient City of Ping Yao was listed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 1997. In recent years, Pingyao has relied on its unique cultural assets to promote the revitalization of the city through CCIs, forming cultural industry clusters represented by the Seeing Pingyao Again immersive performing arts, the Pingyao International Photography Festival (PIP), and the Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival (PYIFF). These industries enhance the value of the revitalized use of cultural heritage and promote local economic growth and employment. As a case of both heritage value and CCI practice, Pingyao provides a practice model for the sustainable development of a World Heritage site, with strong representativeness and research value.

4. Research Results

4.1. Assets and Resources

4.1.1. Material Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage in Pingyao

The Ancient City of Ping Yao is one of the few cultural heritage sites in the world to have its entire city inscribed on the World Heritage List. Its material heritage includes various types of buildings, such as temples, residential houses, government offices, and commercial streets (

Table 1. Material heritage of Pingyao *.

Category	Type	Examples
Integrated Cultural Tourism Sites	Religious and Ritual Sites	Zhen Guo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, Chenghuang Temple, Wen Temple, Cixiang Temple, etc.
	Ancient Government Institutions	Pingyao County Government Office
Scenic Buildings and Auxiliary Structures	Tower-type Buildings	Wenfeng Tower, Dongmu Tower in the south of the city, etc.
Residences and Communities	Traditional Residences	Traditional residential houses, ancient streets and alleys, etc.
	Former Residences of Famous People	Ruan’s house, Liang Zizhang’s old house, Ji’s old house, Lei Lvtai’s old house, etc.
	Ancient Characteristic Stores	Former sites of ancient commercial stores, “Ri Sheng Chang” Draft Bank, the former site of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the former site of the First Northern China Armed Escort Agency, etc.
Burial Grounds	Tombs (Groups)	Liang Zhao Tomb Group, Yijifu Tomb, etc.

* Source: Official website of the Pingyao County People’s Government, compiled by the author.

). Its unique historical landscape serves as the spatial basis for CCIs and provides rich resources to support their development.

Besides the material heritage, the intangible cultural heritage of Pingyao (

Table 2. Intangible cultural heritage of Pingyao *.

Level	Category	Quantity	Name
National Level (4 items)	Traditional Fine Arts	1	Pingyao Shage Opera Man
	Traditional Techniques	2	Pingyao Lacquerware Painting Technique, Beef and Mutton Processing Technique
	Traditional Medicine	1	Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis (Wang’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology)
Provincial Level (31 items)	Traditional Techniques	12	Traditional Oil Tea-Making Technique, “San Geda” Wantuo-Making Technique, Pingyao Traditional Stone-Carving Techniques, etc.
	Traditional Fine Arts	9	Wood Carving, Root Carving (Pingyao Wooden Statue of God), Lantern Art, Pingyao Color Sculpture, etc.
	Traditional Medicine	7	“Bai Ying Jian Pi Wan” Pill-Making Technique, Traditional Diagnosis (Tian Dexingtang Nasal Congestion Therapy), Traditional Burn Therapy (Yang’s Chinese medicine burn treatment), etc.
	Folk Customs	2	Ping Yao Draft Bank, Jin Merchants Armed Escort Agency
	Traditional Opera	1	Sanxianshu

* Source: Official website of the Pingyao County People’s Government, compiled by the author.

) covers a wide range of fields such as traditional fine arts, techniques, medicine, folklore, and performing arts. Together with the tangible heritage, they build the local cultural system and collaborate to promote the development of CCIs.

4.1.2. Cultural and Creative Industries in Pingyao

Even though the Ancient City of Ping Yao is a World Heritage site, its economic development is lagging, tourism is growing slowly, and the government is faced with the double challenge of heritage conservation and economic development. The introduction of CCIs is an important turning point and, in particular, the launch of the PIP has injected new cultural vitality into the ancient city. The PIP utilizes ancient architecture and industrial sites, among others, as exhibition spaces, realizing the fusion of traditional cultural spaces with modern art and significantly enhancing the international influence of Pingyao.

Building on this foundation, Pingyao gradually has formed a diversified system of CCIs (

Table 3. Classification of CCIs, subfields, and representative CCIs in Pingyao *.

CCIs	Subfields	Representative CCIs in Pingyao
1. Audiovisual and Interactive Media	Film, TV and Radio, Streaming, Podcasts, Videogames	TV drama Pingyaoren, Pingyao County Radio and TV Station, Ancient City of Ping Yao Official Weibo Account, etc.
2. Performing Arts	Drama, Dance, Festivals, Feasts and Fairs	Seeing Pingyao Again, PIP, PYIFF
3. Intangible Cultural Heritage	Festive Events, Rituals and Social Practice, Oral Traditions, Knowledge, Skills and Traditional Crafts, Culinary Traditions and Gastronomy	National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage (4 items), Provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage (31 items)
4. Literature and Press	Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Libraries, Book Fairs	Pingyao Ancient City (multiple editions), 1 County-level Library, etc.
5. Visual Arts and Crafts	Fine Arts, Photography, Crafts	Pingyao Shage Opera Man, Wood Carving, etc.
6. Design and Creative Services	Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Advertising	Ancient Architecture Traditional Techniques, Traditional Brick-Carving Techniques, etc.
7. Heritage and Tourism Activities	Historical Places, Archaeological Sites, Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes, Museum Tourism Activities, Tourism Activities	Historic Sites (over 300 sites), Museum Tours, Tourism Activities

* Source: Official website of the Pingyao County People’s Government, compiled by the author.

), categorized based on UNESCO [13]. In the past two decades, Pingyao has facilitated the multidimensional development of CCIs based on its historical and cultural resources and the integration of digital technologies to promote urban revitalization and sustainable development.

4.2. Enabling Factors

4.2.1. Physical and Spatial Environment

The Ancient City of Ping Yao is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, and its rich physical spatial resources provide important support for CCIs. Pingyao takes systematic and strategic measures to facilitate CCIs and promote urban revitalization and sustainable development.

• Functional conversion of architectural heritage provides creative space for CCIs. Cultural heritage is an important carrier for heritage tourism and the spatial foundation for the development of CCIs [20]. For example, the PIP is located in the Ancient City of Ping Yao at historical architectural sites such as the county government offices, the Wen Temple, and the Chenghuang Temple, as well as at the industrial sites such as the diesel engine factory, the cotton-weaving factory, and the souvenir warehouses. This approach is in line with the theory of “Adaptive Reuse”, which protects the authenticity of the historical architectural heritage and realizes the reuse of vacant space and functional innovation [21]. Field observations revealed that some of the creative industry spaces are renovated buildings, making the historic buildings more adaptable while preserving their original appearance.
• Systematic upgrading of the infrastructure improves the livability and convenience of the city. In recent years, the government has invested a large amount of money each year to improve electricity, water conservation, heating systems, etc. It is also optimizing the transportation network so that tourists can arrive via highways, railroads, and high-speed trains, enhancing accessibility and mobility. The improvement of infrastructure promotes wide participation in cultural activities and channels for the dissemination and exchange of cultural and creative products [22]. Moreover, excellent infrastructure makes cities more attractive and is an important factor in attracting tourists [23].
• In urban planning and management, the historical style is always maintained in the process of modernization. The government follows traditional architectural styles for the renovation and repair of buildings and requires merchants to decorate in a style that is consistent with the overall appearance of the ancient city. On-site observations confirm that the signboards of stores on the streets of the old city follow the previous style and pattern. This management mode is in line with the concept of sustainable development of World Heritage proposed by UNESCO [2]. This means that while conserving the authenticity of World Heritage, it also meets the needs of contemporary society through rational planning and utilization [2].
• Multi-layered utilization of public space. Larger public spaces, such as the City Wall and Yingxungmen Square, are used for large-scale activities and open-air performances. Meanwhile, historical sites are flexibly utilized as exhibition spaces, such as the PIP, which is held at the county government offices and the sites of former factories. This spatial utilization strategy improves the spatial use efficiency of the ancient city and enhances its cultural attractiveness and cultural experience [24,25].

As mentioned above, Pingyao provides strong support for the development of CCIs and urban revitalization through the strategies of heritage revitalization and utilization, infrastructural optimization, transportation accessibility enhancement, and rational utilization of public space. The practice of Pingyao is in line with the trend of integration and development of cultural heritage and CCIs [13], while also providing a reference for the revitalization and the sustainable revitalization of other cultural heritage cities.

4.2.2. Human Capital

Human capital is an important factor in economic development and a prerequisite for the formation of a creative economy [26]. This study reveals the key function of human capital in promoting the local CCIs through an in-depth analysis of the development of the CCIs in Pingyao.

• Professional talents play an important role in the development of CCIs. The success of the first PIP cannot be achieved without the joint efforts of domestic and foreign photographers such as Sushi Shi, Marc Riboud, and other photographers from France, the United States, Spain, and 16 other countries and regions. PIP annually brings together professional photographers and groups from professional organizations such as the China Photographers Association and the Photographers’ Association in Shaanxi Province. It also gathers important talents from media and other related industries and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and international exchanges. This further confirms the core position of human capital in CCIs, and that high-level talent input, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international cooperation are key factors in improving the competitiveness of the industry [27].
• The development of local human resources broadens career paths for residents. For example, the first actors of the Seeing Pingyao Again large-scale experiential theater were from all walks of life in Pingyao. Despite not having a professional background, they completed each public performance after professional training. Moreover, the traditional cultural performances during the Chinese New Year in the Ancient City of Ping Yao, such as dragon dances, lion dances, and other folklore activities, provide opportunities for residents to pass on their intangible cultural heritage and create employment opportunities. These practices further confirm that CCIs help create employment opportunities and stabilize local employment [27].
• The establishment of the education system provides a guarantee for the cultivation of creative talents. Through the establishment of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Museum and cooperation with schools to establish institutions (e.g., the establishment of the Pingyao Lacquerware Culture-Creative Industries Academy), Pingyao promotes the inheritance of traditional crafts and also its integration with modern design ideals. Moreover, the holding of the Ancient City Cultural and Creative Design Competition promotes the collision of traditional crafts and modern design and inspires more creative talents to learn and exchange ideas. These initiatives show the exploration of local CCIs in talent cultivation and innovation development, which is in line with the development trend of talent cultivation [28].

Therefore, it can be seen that human capital plays a decisive role in the development of Pingyao CCIs. The introduction of professional talents enhances the international competitiveness of the industry, while the establishment of a local mechanism for talent development in CCIs provides skill support for sustainable development. In addition, the development of CCIs increases jobs and promotes employment, further boosting the sustainable development of the regional economy.

4.2.3. Networks and Support Infrastructure

The development of CCIs relies on favorable physical spaces and environments. Equally important are social networks, catalysts, technical support, and financial backing [29,30]. This study explores how the government, market, and social organizations can synergistically promote the sustainable development of CCIs by analyzing the network and support infrastructure of the CCIs in Pingyao.

• Construction of a government-led social network model. For example, the success of the PIP is the result of a collaborative effort between the government, experts, and organizations in the photography industry, sponsors, and other relevant stakeholders. The government is an important catalyst in connecting creators and stakeholders. The teams of industry professionals in multiple CCIs are non-governmental organizations, while the sponsors are for-profit organizations. The Pingyao government has played an active initiating and leading role in the development of the CCI projects. The social network in Pingyao is government-led, which assumes the roles of coordinator and resource allocator, while industry associations, universities, and enterprises play the roles of professional guidance and market-oriented promotion. This model effectively integrates the resources of the relevant stakeholders to provide support for CCIs [31,32].
• The governmental support system provides comprehensive support for the CCIs in Pingyao. For example, the construction of the PYIFF venue (Pingyao Film Palace) obtained government permission and was converted from the former industrial site of the Pingyao County Diesel Engine Factory. In addition, the government provides many ancillary tasks such as traffic management and tourist site management when organizing various events. The government has provided comprehensive support to promote the successful development of the CCIs [31], which enhances the establishment and operational efficiency of the CCI projects and contributes to shaping a favorable city image.
• Diversified financial support systems provide financial security for the development of the CCIs. The development of the CCIs in Pingyao includes financial support from the government and enterprises. For example, the PIP is financially supported by the government and enterprises. The Seeing Pingyao Again show receives official funding from the Pingyao government and financing from the Shanxi branch of the China Development Bank. This model of multi-financial support is more flexible and diversified, and it can effectively integrate public and market resources, which plays a key function in promoting the implementation of the project [33].

Pingyao supports the development of the CCIs through social networks, the catalytic role of the government, and financing mechanisms. The leading role of the government is particularly prominent in this, with the construction of the social network relying on the government’s organization and coordination, and with the financing model emphasizing the synergy between the government and enterprises. This model promotes the development of the CCIs and offers reference experiences for other cities.

4.2.4. Institutional and Regulatory Environment

Institutional and regulatory environments are essential for the development of the CCIs. Institutions and regulations offer policy protection, while partnerships promote multi-stakeholder collaborative development [13]. This study reveals the role of policy support and multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting the development of the local CCIs by analyzing the institutional environment and collaboration mode of the CCIs in Pingyao.

• Systematic policy support from the provincial to the local level. At the provincial level, a series of policy documents have been issued by different government institutions in Shanxi Province, including the Outline of the Development Plan for the Construction of a Strong Cultural Province in Shanxi Province (2003), the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Integration and Development of the Culture and Tourism Industries in Shanxi Province (2022), and the Three-Year Action Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Province’s Cultural and Creative Industries (2023). At the local level, Pingyao has also introduced many policies for the development of CCIs, including the Implementation Outline for the Development of Cultural Industries in 2010, the Development Plan for Pingyao Lacquerware Industry in 2010, and the draft of the 14th Five-Year Plan for Pingyao County in 2022, which proposes to strengthen support for CCIs. These policies and regulations not only demonstrate the priority local governments place on CCIs but also lay the foundation for the sustainable development of the CCIs through clear development goals and legal safeguards.
• The closeness of partnership among multiple stakeholders in CCIs. The success of the CCIs in Pingyao is also attributed to the collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the government, creative teams, enterprises, and universities. For example, the PIP, which started in 2001, was founded by government agencies, photography associations, private enterprises, and other economic actors. The PYIFF, which started in 2017, was founded by the government, universities, and enterprises. This multi-stakeholder collaboration integrates the resource advantages of each participating subject and reduces the cost and risk of project implementation. It also enhances professionalism and international influence through knowledge sharing and capacity complementarity [34].

The Pingyao case indicates that government policy and legal support are instrumental to the development of CCIs. In contrast, the collaborative model among the participating subjects improves the optimal allocation of resources in the CCI industry chain and enhances the overall operational efficiency of the industry chain. In addition, the development of CCIs is not solely dependent on the market, and the core coordinating role of the government plays a crucial role.

4.2.5. The Benefits of Uniqueness

The distinctive resources provided by World Heritage make the development of the CCIs more competitive [35]. The World Heritage is not only a core element of tourist attraction but also an important support for the development of the CCIs [35]. This study reveals the importance of cultural heritage for the CCIs in enhancing their core competitiveness in the context of globalization by analyzing the uniqueness of Pingyao, one of the activated elements of its revitalization.

• The uniqueness of the Ancient City of Ping Yao is reflected in its status as a World Heritage Site and its rich historical and cultural heritage. As the best-preserved Han Chinese city of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, the Ancient City of Ping Yao demonstrates the unique cultural, economic, social, and religious development of those dynasties [2]. During these dynasties, Pingyao was one of the core cities of the Jin merchant culture, and the establishment of the “Draft Bank”, the prototype of the modern banking industry in China, contributed to the development of commerce, finance, culture, architecture, religion, and art [14]. These unique cultures and histories provide rich materials for the CCIs.
• Unique CCIs have been constructed by integrating modern technology and creativity. For example, the PIP and the PYIFF make full utilization of the architectural heritage of the Ancient City of Ping Yao, combining exhibition activities with historical spaces to create a unique cultural experience. Cultural and creative projects such as the Seeing Pingyao Again program integrate local history and culture with modern forms of artistic expression. This pattern of combining cultural heritage with cultural and creative projects [20] reflects how CCIs can promote the revitalization and commercialization of cultural heritage. It enhances the attractiveness and competitiveness of Pingyao, while also providing strong support for the sustainable development of the CCIs.
• Cultural heritage and resources provide sustainable development power for the CCIs. With the development of the times, despite the constant updating and upgrading of technology and art forms, the history, culture, and heritage of Pingyao have always been the core resources of the CCIs. By constantly recombining and extracting local cultural elements, cultural and creative projects are developed through cross-industry collaboration [34]. This development model is not only sustainable but also provides for the long-term development of the local CCIs.

The case of Pingyao indicates that the World Heritage city can achieve both economic value and cultural value through the development of the CCIs [35]. Lazzeretti considers the development of the CCIs to be classified into technology-driven and heritage-driven, and it is obvious that Pingyao is a heritage-driven type [20]. The uniqueness and sustainable utilization of cultural heritage resources have enabled the CCIs in Pingyao to show unique competitiveness in the context of globalization and to form a cultural and creative industry ecosystem with local characteristics.

4.2.6. Digital Environment

With the rapid development of digital technology, digital transformation has become the growing trend of today’s industry, profoundly affecting the CCIs [36]. When analyzing the digital environment of Pingyao, this study finds that the city has made significant progress in upgrading its digital infrastructure, integrating technology and culture, and improving digital inclusiveness.

• Digital transformation is achieved in the management of heritage attractions. To enhance the experience of tourists, a smart tourism management system has been developed to enable the digital management of services, such as online ticketing, guided tour reservations, digital guiding, and the purchase of cultural and creative products. The smart tourism system not only optimizes the management of visitor flow and realizes the digitalization and intelligence of scenic spot management but also improves the tourist experience and the sustainable operation ability of the heritage site [37].
• The combination of cultural and creative projects with digital technology further expands the expression of Pingyao’s history, culture, and art. Projects such as the 3D Light Show and So Real Huanzhen (an immersive experience space in the Pingyao Science and Art Museum) combine cutting-edge technology with the culture, history, and humanities of Pingyao to create a new cultural experience. These projects deeply integrate digital technology with culture, increase the attractiveness of heritage, enhance the experience of tourists, and achieve the conservation and modernization of heritage dissemination. They have also helped to balance the tension between technology and cultural heritage conservation. The Pingyao case indicates that digital technology plays an important role in promoting the innovation and development of CCIs [38].
• Enhancing digital inclusiveness is one of the foundations for promoting the sustainable development of CCIs. The Pingyao government supports the utilization of digital technologies through its policies to create a favorable digital environment for the development of CCIs. For example, the Action Plan for Strengthening the Protection and Construction of the Ancient City of Ping Yao as an Internationally Recognized Tourist Destination explicitly encourages digital construction. In addition, Pingyao plans to create a digital exhibition hall for intangible cultural heritage, realizing the utilization of online platforms to share historical, cultural, and intangible cultural heritage materials [39]. This digital inclusiveness enhances the accessibility of cultural heritage, while also providing important support for the sustainable development of local CCIs.

The digital utilization and practice of Pingyao reflect the mode of integration between science and technology and cultural heritage. They also provide practical experience in how cultural heritage sites can utilize digital technology to achieve sustainable development. The analysis of the Pingyao case reveals that digital means can enhance the richness of cultural displays, as well as optimize management, promote inclusiveness, and provide assistance in shaping new forms of the CCIs, offering a reference for the digital transformation of heritage sites.

4.3. Outcomes

4.3.1. Spatial Outcomes

Pingyao achieves abundant spatial outcomes through the development of CCIs with culture and creativity at its core. According to the CCC framework, urban amenities are a reflection of spatial outcomes, and cities with high amenities usually have greater development potential [13]. Pingyao creates diverse urban amenities (

Table 4. Urban amenities in Pingyao *.

Category	Name
Variety of Cultural Services	Seeing Pingyao Again Theater, Pingyao Film Palace, Pingyao Museum of Science and Technology, Pingyao Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Museum, etc.
Aesthetics and Physical Settings	Ancient buildings in the Ancient City of Ping Yao, such as the Pingyao County Government Office, Chenghuang Temple, Shuanglin Temple, etc.
Quality Public Services	City Wall, Yingxunmen Square, etc.
Speed and Ease of Mobility	Transportation within the city, high-speed rail station, train station, highway, etc.

* Official website of the People’s Government of Pingyao County, classification criteria based on UNESCO and the World Bank [13], organized by the author.

), enhances the attractiveness and entertainment of Pingyao, as well as optimizes the urban space, playing a key function in enhancing the dissemination of culture and stimulating the vitality of innovation.

• Through the construction of new landmarks, the reuse of historic buildings, and the transformation of industrial sites, rich spaces for cultural experience are constructed. For example, the Seeing Pingyao Again theater is a new building tailor-made for this purpose, while the PIP and the PYIFF make use of existing historical buildings and industrial sites converted for exhibition. This model of architectural heritage reuse is validated in the sustainable development practices of cultural heritage sites around the world [40].
• As a World Heritage site, the Ancient City of Ping Yao retains the spatial layout and architectural planning of the county town from the Ming and Qing Dynasties [14]. The ancient city has a large number of well-maintained ancient buildings (Table 1). These historical buildings not only form the aesthetic and physical environment of Pingyao but also carry local cultural memories [41] and provide a unique spatial foundation for the CCIs, supporting the high-quality development of the CCIs [25].
• By optimizing the utilization of space, the city has enhanced its public service capacity. Large public spaces such as the City Wall and Yingxunmen Square have been used to organize various cultural activities; for instance, activities have been hosted at the PIP’s exhibition space on the City Wall, while Yingxunmen Square is an important place for cultural festivals. The rational allocation of public spaces improves the urban spatial structure and enhances the cultural inclusiveness and functional diversity of the city [42].
• The transportation system is highly accessible, with options including self-driving, high-speed rail, airplane, and other modes. The scenic spots are also equipped with internal transportation systems to enhance the travel experience of tourists. Good transportation accessibility not only optimizes the flow pattern of tourists but also greatly promotes the cross-regional cooperation of the CCIs and enhances communication convenience and efficiency [22].

Overall, the development of CCIs and the construction of urban amenities promote each other, enhancing both the efficiency of the city and cultural vitality [13]. Cultural service amenities enrich the cultural life of residents, promote the integration of traditional crafts and modern creativity, and provide innovative spaces for enterprises, artists, and research institutions [20]. From the perspective of urban spatial diversity, the optimization and upgrading of urban amenities effectively enhance the diversity of cultural programs in Pingyao. Cultural spaces such as the Pingyao Film Palace provide immersive cultural experiences. Historical architectural heritage constitutes a unique cultural landscape. Public spaces such as Yingxunmen Square enhance the inclusiveness of cultural events [43]. Moreover, the continuous optimization of urban amenities helps to enhance the urban image and brand identity of Pingyao, improve the competitiveness of the World Heritage city, and support the sustainable development of the local economy [44].

4.3.2. Economic Outcomes

Driven by the CCIs, Pingyao has experienced a boom in tourism, upgrading of its industrial structure, expansion of the employment market, and achieving remarkable economic results. Relying on its assets and resources, Pingyao creates CCI projects such as the PIP, PYIFF, and Seeing Pingyao Again. These projects have become an invaluable part of heritage tourism, enhancing the attractiveness of Pingyao and boosting economic outcomes.

According to statistical data, the industrial structure of Pingyao changed significantly from 2013 to 2023 (Figure 2), and the tertiary industry emerged as the core of economic growth, contributing more than 50% of the output value. According to the data in the statistical yearbooks of Pingyao from 2013 to 2023, the table of items of the components of GDP at the current year’s prices shows that value added refers to the value added of the industry at the current year’s prices, reflecting the value of the final output created by each industry in a certain period, among which the change in value added of the culture, sports, and entertainment industry is significant; in particular, the growth has been clear since 2017 (Figure 3). This development trend is closely aligned with the development model of global cultural and creative cities [45], indicating that Pingyao is transitioning from a traditional industrial structure to a modern economy centered on culture and creativity. Tourists received and total tourism revenue show a steady growth trend from 2013 to 2019 (Figure 4). In contrast, from 2021 to 2023, the National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin on the official website of Pingyao County does not publish the total tourism revenue, only the number of tourists received. From 2020 to 2022, due to COVID-19, strict epidemic prevention and control measures were implemented in all regions of China, which restricted the movement of the population, and the tourism industry was in the doldrums. After the gradual liberalization of China’s epidemic prevention and control in 2023, the number of tourists rebounded. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the total tourism revenues grew significantly between 2015 and 2016. In tourism ticket revenues from all sites in Pingyao (Figure 5), there was steady and slow growth from 2013 to 2018. The tourism ticket revenues were not announced for 2019 and 2020. Tourism ticket revenues declined more sharply from 2021 to 2022 due to the downturn in tourism as a result of COVID-19. The gradual recovery of tourism in 2023, when ticket revenues grew to CNY 120 million, reflects the revival of heritage tourism in the CCIs, providing the impetus for Pingyao’s economic recovery. Notably, admission to the Ancient City of Ping Yao is free, but tickets are required to visit the city’s major cultural heritage sites. Excluding the COVID-19-affected years, ticket revenues are above CNY 100 million, a relatively limited increase. In contrast, the growth in total tourism revenue from 2013 to 2019 was more significant, indicating that in addition to ticket revenue, tourism-related industries such as hotels, restaurants, cultural consumption, performances, and intangible cultural products were developing rapidly.

Trend analysis of data on the GDP, the number of tourists received, and ticket revenues from sites indicated that the tertiary industry has become a pillar industry in Pingyao, with the rapid development of the culture, sports, and entertainment industries, reflecting the positive role of CCIs in promoting the local economy. The total tourism revenue grew steadily before the COVID-19 epidemic. After the end of the pandemic, ticket revenues from sites in 2023 had nearly recovered to the pre-COVID-19 level, indicating that cultural heritage tourism, as an important part of CCIs, had largely rebounded. When combining total tourism revenues and attraction ticket revenues, it was reasonable to infer that related consumption, including shopping (e.g., souvenirs, works of intangible cultural heritage), entertainment (e.g., Seeing Pingyao Again, PYIFF), food and beverages, and accommodation, was continuing to expand, which reflects the trend of diversification of the local economy. That trend is consistent with the field observations of Pingyao’s Seeing Pingyao Again and 3D light shows, and it confirms the idea that CCIs promote the integration of local industries and the upgrading of consumption. By integrating statistical data, field observation results, and qualitative analysis of the literature, this study further demonstrates that CCIs play an important role in the sustainable transformation of Pingyao’s economy [34,45].

Since the Seeing Pingyao Again public screening in 2013, CCIs have been rapidly developing, especially projects integrating digital technology and heritage, such as the 3D Light Show, and the So Real Huanzhen. These projects have catalyzed the development of tourism and related industries. There are significant complementarities and synergies between the tourism industry and the CCIs. Their deep integration of the two promotes local economic growth, industrial structural optimization, and regional economic competitiveness [46].

The development of the CCIs not only contributes to the urban economic growth and the expansion of related industrial chains but also creates a significant number of employment opportunities. On the one hand, the demand for creative jobs and non-creative jobs has increased. For example, the Seeing Pingyao Again requires positions such as actors, logisticians personnel, and technical support teams. On the other hand, the growing number of tourists is driving the demand for personnel in the accommodation, catering, retail, and transportation sectors. Additionally, the commercialization of intangible cultural heritage fosters the development of traditional handicrafts and related industries, increasing the demand for personnel. This “CCI–tourism–employment” model reflects the economic value of synergistic industrial development and closely corresponds to the vision of sustainable development set out by UNESCO and the World Bank [13].

Furthermore, the CCIs in Pingyao enhance the diversity and inclusiveness of employment. Compared with traditional industries, the CCIs can provide employment opportunities to individuals from different backgrounds and skill levels [13]. For example, the Seeing Pingyao Again performance project emphasizes the localization and diversity of actors, enabling young people, women, and ethnic minority groups to access appropriate roles [13]. At the same time, the project involves multiple fields of specialization such as dance, music, and digital technology, reflecting the important role of cross-industry collaboration [34].

Taken together, the CCIs facilitate the economic transformation and structural optimization of Pingyao, and they stimulate the development of related industries in the industrial chain. They also create diversified employment opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and provide important support for the sustainable development of the city. This development model matches existing creative city theories and demonstrates the strategic value of CCIs in promoting the sustainable development of local economies [13].

4.3.3. Social Outcomes

Through the development of CCIs, Pingyao achieves urban revitalization and also notable outcomes in spatial optimization and economic growth, while promoting cultural inheritance, industrial integration, and urban competitiveness. The crucial role of CCIs in promoting the synergistic development of the economy, society, and culture has been affirmed [13].

• A multi-dimensional cultural dissemination and exchange system has been established, enhancing the local cultural identity and social cohesion. The urban amenities (Table 4) and the CCI projects (Table 3) in Pingyao enrich the cultural resources of residents and enhance the cultural experience of tourists. For example, the immersive experience provided to tourists with the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Museum allows traditional culture to be passed on in modern society, in line with the global trend of cultural and creative cities [13]. In addition, cultural and creative spaces serve as venues for knowledge sharing, academic exchange, and artistic creation, further promoting cultural dissemination [13].
• The development of the CCIs promotes intra-industry innovation and interaction, as well as cross-industry cooperation. For example, the PIP and the PYIFF bring together academics, creators, and audiences from China and abroad, and they enhance the quality and creativity of artistic production through academic exchanges and exhibitions. Moreover, sectors such as tourism, digital media, printing, and publishing benefit from CCIs, forming a synergistic effect between CCIs and traditional industries [47]. The Pingyao case demonstrates that cross-industry collaboration enhances the vitality of the industry and contributes to the diversified development of the local economy [48].
• The rise of CCIs significantly improves urban infrastructure. With the rise of CCIs, the Pingyao government has increased its investment in infrastructure, such as water supply, power supply, and heating systems. These improvements have enhanced the residents’ quality of life and the satisfaction of tourists with their cultural experience. Meanwhile, upgraded infrastructure boosts the service sector, with significant improvements in the quality of service in the catering and accommodation sectors. This confirms the positive impact of the CCIs on urban regeneration, as they tend to drive the modernization of infrastructure and contribute to shaping a more livable urban environment [13].
• The development of the CCIs enhances the international visibility of Pingyao and the brand image of the city. In 2000, Pingyao received approximately 8000 foreign tourists, after the successful organization of the first PIP in 2001, the number of international tourists and tourism revenues increased significantly, and in 2002, the city received 39,000 foreign tourists. Since then, the PYIFF and other branded programs have been established, further enriching the city’s cultural image and consolidating the international popularity of Pingyao. One of these programs, Seeing Pingyao Again, has become one of the core programs of Pingyao tourism since its public screening in 2013, with the number of performances, audience size, and revenues continuing to grow (

  Table 5. Performances, audience sizes, and revenues of Seeing Pingyao Again, 2013–2023 *.

  Year	Number of Performances	Audience Size (×10,000 Persons)	Revenue (CNY Million)
  2013	562	24.8	32.79
  2014	671	36	48.38
  2015	701	46	64.4
  2016	795	56.9	82.25
  2017	807	60.17	101
  2018	830	66	114
  2019	861	69	120
  2020	475	29	59
  2021	497	32.9	64.87
  2022	286	16	31.77
  2023	913	78	157

  * Source: Official website of the People’s Government of Pingyao County, compiled by the author.

  ). However, the field survey reveals that Seeing Pingyao Again does not have foreign-language assistance services, and foreign tourists have obstacles in understanding the performance and cultural connotations, indicating a need for improvement in linguistic inclusiveness and cross-cultural communication. The CCIs have a profound impact in the shaping of the city’s brand image [49]. The successful establishment of the city brand has improved Pingyao’s competitiveness in the global CCIs and further enriches the city’s cultural image.

Through the development of CCIs, Pingyao has transformed from a traditional county town to a cultural and creative city. It has achieved remarkable social benefits in terms of cultural dissemination, industrial synergy, infrastructural construction, international influence, and city brand shaping. This development path aligns with the development model of global cultural and creative cities, further validating the key role of the CCIs in promoting the sustainable development of the local economy and society [13].

5. Discussion

World Heritage cities embody rich historical and cultural values, and their revitalization not only concerns heritage protection but also multidimensional goals such as spatial, economic, and social sustainability [13]. In recent years, CCIs have been widely regarded as a new path to promote the sustainable development of cities by enhancing urban attractiveness, creating employment, and stimulating innovation [7,8]. Based on the CCC framework, this study explores how CCIs promote the revitalization of World Heritage cities, using Pingyao as a case study, and evaluates the practicality and applicability of the framework.

This study indicates that Pingyao, as a World Heritage city, is rich in historical heritage, cultural resources, and intangible cultural heritage (Table 1 and Table 2). These assets and resources have provided rich creative materials and development bases for CCIs, forming the current diverse CCI clusters in Pingyao (Table 3). All six enabling factors in the CCC framework are evident in how Pingyao enables CCIs to drive urban revitalization. In terms of the physical and spatial environment, the city revitalizes historical buildings, upgrades infrastructure, improves transportation accessibility, and ensures the rational use of public space. Regarding human capital, Pingyao introduces specialized professionals, develops local human resources, and establishes mechanisms for talent cultivation. In terms of network and support infrastructure, it constructs a government-led social network and develops a diversified financial support system. In the institutional and regulatory environment, systematic legal and policy frameworks are established alongside multi-stakeholder partnerships. With respect to uniqueness, CCIs projects are made distinctive and sustainable by relying on the cultural heritage’s uniqueness and promoting the sustainable use of cultural resources. Finally, the digital environment is enhanced through digital management, increased digital inclusiveness, and the integration of digital technologies into CCI projects. With the joint promotion of the six enabling factors, the CCIs in Pingyao have achieved rapid development and remarkable spatial, economic, and social outcomes. At the spatial level, the rational utilization has been seen of unused and available space, and the renewal of infrastructure while maintaining the original appearance of heritage. At the economic level, the transformation of the industrial structure is promoted, with the tertiary industry becoming the main pillar industry and the tourism and cultural industries developing well. At the social level, it promotes the city’s cultural development and communication, enhances social well-being, and creates a unique city brand.

Compared to large cities, Pingyao, as a small World Heritage city, relies more on local resource integration and government-led and cross-industry cooperation for the development of CCIs, showing greater flexibility and diversity in development paths. Seville, Spain relies on the flamenco dance to create a unique city cultural brand [13]. Johannesburg, South Africa has established the Newton Contemporary Arts Festival, centered on music and performing arts, and strengthened the mechanism of multi-stakeholder collaboration [13]. Kyoto, Japan, adopts new technologies to discover cultural heritage, promote the development of emerging creative and artistic clusters, and reshape urban space [13]. These cities fully explore and utilize their resources and demonstrate a variety of development models and practices. In comparison, Pingyao is also effective in integrating local resources, but it lacks international cooperation, digital governance, and civic participation, reflecting the differences in development foundations and models between small cities and global creative cities.

In future work, more attention should be paid to the transformation of the social structure and redistribution of resources brought about by the development of CCIs. Problems such as cultural identity differences and an uneven distribution of resources may exist between residents and foreign creative groups, and these hidden social contradictions may gradually emerge in the process of industry development. In terms of internationalization, for example, cultural performances such as the Seeing Pingyao Again show are mainly geared towards domestic audiences and lack an international dimension, with language barriers and cultural export strategies that need to be strengthened. Although the government-led mechanism has advantages in resource allocation, the market mechanism has not yet been fully activated, and the diversity and sustainability of cultural and creative products have yet to be improved. At the same time, digital transformation is at an early stage, and local enterprises’ digital capabilities are weak, making it difficult to meet development needs.

Pingyao’s experience suggests that the development of CCIs should be combined with local realities, taking into account multiple dimensions such as the spatial environment, social culture, and governance mechanisms, to realize long-term sustainable development. For other World Heritage cities, although the Pingyao model cannot be directly replicated, it can be used as a reference to formulate differentiated sustainable development strategies based on the combination of their assets, resources, and stages of development. The CCC framework can be used as an effective analytical tool to understand how CCIs can contribute to the sustainable development of a city. It is also a reference framework for the formulation of locally adapted policies for different types of World Heritage cities.

6. Conclusions

6.1. Research Summary and Contributions

Taking Pingyao as a case study, this study systematically analyzes the mechanism of CCIs in the revitalization of a World Heritage city based on the CCC framework. It focuses on revealing the performance of six key enabling factors in promoting the development of CCIs. This study shows that Pingyao boosts the development of CCIs through six enabling factors, enhances the spatial vitality and economic sustainability of the city, and extends social progress and cultural dissemination paths. It also provides a practical reference for World Heritage cities to explore the development mode driven by CCIs.

This study further validates the applicability and practicability of the CCC framework and emphasizes that its three-layer structure of “assets and resources–enabling factors–outcomes” can effectively reveal the internal logic of the CCIs in promoting the sustainable development of cities. Compared with the existing theories, the CCC framework has a clearer structure and more practical methodology. It fills in the lack of understanding of the process mechanism in the current research, and it provides a new analytical path and theoretical support for cities to formulate differentiated development strategies. At the theoretical level, this study complements the research on urban revitalization driven by CCIs and deepens the application of the CCC framework in explaining the mechanism of cultural and creative-driven urban revitalization. In the case of Pingyao, the framework helps to identify the linkages between assets, resources, and key enabling factors, and it provides similar cities with tools for strategy formulation and process evaluation.

From a practical point of view, the Pingyao case indicates that the World Heritage cities should fully organize and integrate their assets and resources and pursue a multifaceted and synergistic development path. On the one hand, the government often plays a key role in small or less-developed cities, and it should actively play a leading and coordinating role in building a sound support system and promoting cooperation. On the other hand, efforts should focus on stimulating the vitality of local communities, markets, and creative actors and promoting the in-depth participation of multiple stakeholders. At the same time, the integration of CCIs with digital technology, tourism, education, and other industries should be promoted to form a more sustainable and adaptable urban development path.

Although Pingyao achieves staged outcomes in the development of CCIs, it also faces many challenges. For example, the commercialization of cultural industries may lead to the over-exploitation of heritage spaces and damage the authenticity of heritage. The level of digitization is still in its infancy, making it difficult to support the production of high-quality content and international dissemination. Moreover, the issue of cultural integration and balancing the interests of residents with those of foreign creative groups may also have an impact on social equity. These challenges indicate that the development of CCIs should focus on economic development, while also taking into account social benefits, culture, and heritage conservation.

This study takes Pingyao as a case study to deeply analyze the mechanism of World Heritage cities in promoting urban revitalization through the development of CCIs. It offers important innovation and make contributions at both the theoretical and practical levels. At the theoretical level, this study applies the CCC framework to the research of CCIs in World Heritage cities, enriching the research on the integration of sustainable urban development and the creative economy. This study further demonstrates the applicability of the CCC framework to heritage cities, especially in its ability to dynamically capture how cultural assets are transformed into outcomes through enabling factors. This addresses the lack of systematic integration of creative mechanisms in traditional revitalization pathways and offers a theoretical tool with practical pointers for the research on CCIs. At the practical level, this study deeply analyzes the experiences of Pingyao in terms of resource utilization, integration of enabling factors, and transformation of spatial, economic, and social outcomes. It also reveals how culture and creativity can play a revitalization role in heritage cities, and it provides practical paths that can be drawn upon by similar cities around the world. Unlike the traditional revitalization model focusing on tourism development, Pingyao’s development path places more emphasis on integrating cultural creativity-driven and heritage-driven approaches. The CCC framework effectively reveals the mechanisms at play, highlighting the unique role of CCIs in achieving revitalization and sustainable development goals. The CCC framework can be used as an effective tool for developing strategic planning frameworks, especially in balancing cultural heritage preservation and sustainable urban development, providing clear pathways and actionable strategies for other World Heritage cities.

Based on the experience of Pingyao, this study suggests that other World Heritage cities should adopt several measures to promote the development of CCIs, achieve urban revitalization and sustainable development, and effectively balance the relationship between heritage conservation and economic growth. First, assets and resources should be systematically identified based on the CCC framework, and a development path should be formulated in phases to avoid a waste of resources and overdevelopment. Second, the government and relevant authorities should improve policies and regulations related to development and preservation, and it should provide institutional guarantees for heritage preservation and the development of CCIs. Third, a cross-sectoral collaboration mechanism should be established to strengthen cooperation among multiple stakeholders, such as the government, universities, and enterprises, so as to enhance the diversity and innovativeness of CCIs. Fourth, the in-depth integration of CCIs with other industries should be encouraged to promote the collaborative development of heritage and digital technology, exhibition, and other fields, and to expand application scenarios and market potential. Fifth, the mechanism for talent attraction and cultivation should be strengthened, relevant incentive policies should be introduced, and cross-sector cooperation in establishing training and education institutions should be supported to ensure sustained human capital for the development of CCIs. Sixth, public participation and community co-creation mechanisms should be promoted, encouraging local residents, creative talents, and conservation organizations to participate in project development, thereby enhancing social cohesion and cultural identity. Seventh, to better balance heritage protection and commercial utilization, relevant departments should strengthen management, improve the approval system, and continuously monitor and adjust the development intensity, social benefits, and cultural authenticity. Through the above measures, World Heritage cities can enhance the local adaptability and operability of policies, and achieve urban revitalization and sustainable development while realizing the goal of heritage protection.

6.2. Limitations and Future Research Directions

Although this study is based on the CCC framework and examines the role of CCIs in achieving urban revitalization and sustainable development, and while it provides valuable theoretical insights and practical inspiration for urban regeneration theory, there are still some limitations.

First, this study focuses solely on Pingyao as a single case and does not cover World Heritage cities of different types, scales, and cultural backgrounds, which limits the breadth and depth of the findings. Future research could be based on the CCC framework and be expanded to multiple World Heritage cities, such as the comparison of representative heritage cities in different provinces in China or the comparison of heritage cities in countries with different cultural backgrounds. Cross-regional horizontal comparative studies are encouraged to refine more universal and diverse sustainable development pathways.

Second, the temporal scope of this study is more concentrated, and the long-term evolution of the role of CCIs has not yet been systematically examined. Future research could conduct longitudinal studies to explore the dynamic development process and staged effects of CCIs in different development stages of heritage cities, so as to enhance the understanding of sustainable development paths.

Third, considering that this study is mainly based on secondary data and non-participatory observation, subjectivity and incomplete information may exist, affecting the comprehensiveness and depth of the study. The subsequent research can combine in-depth interviews and questionnaires to further explore the mechanism of CCIs, to provide a more empirically supported theoretical basis and policy recommendations for the revitalization and sustainable development of global World Heritage cities.

In conclusion, given the above limitations, future research should be grounded in the CCC framework, further expand the spatial and temporal scope, and adopt diverse methodological approaches to explore in greater depth the mechanisms and evolutionary pathways of CCIs in the sustainable revitalization of World Heritage cities.