Abstract
With the deepening of cultural heritage conservation concepts, the preservation and revitalization of former residences of historical figures face challenges such as one-dimensional value recognition and imbalanced resource allocation. It is therefore necessary to construct a systematic value evaluation framework grounded in public participation, so as to scientifically identify multidimensional values, accurately guide conservation priorities and revitalization pathways, and promote the continuation of heritage values and functional transformation in contemporary contexts. This study focuses on 20 former residences of historical figures located in the Dongguan Historical and Cultural Block of Yangzhou. Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the non-use value of these residences was quantified, revealing an average willingness to pay (WTP) of 60.07 CNY per person per year, with an annual total value of approximately 177 million CNY. These findings underscore their significance in social memory and cultural transmission. Furthermore, by integrating “Cultural Triad Theory” with UNESCO’s six categories of heritage values, a “3 × 6” value identification framework was constructed. The results indicate that value weights are distributed as follows: cultural value (41.86%), architectural value (33.22%), and institutional value (24.92%). Building on this, different regression models were developed to analyze the determinants of whether the public is willing to pay and the specific amount they are willing to contribute. Based on the results, revitalization pathways are proposed that emphasize cultural leadership, architectural support, and institutional safeguards. This research not only provides empirical evidence for the conservation and funding allocation of former residences of historical figures in Yangzhou’s Dongguan Historical and Cultural Block but also offers a replicable methodology and empirical support for similar practices in other regions.