Retrospection and Reflection of Studies on China's Old Towns: Also a Discussion on the Government-led Protection of China's Historic Cities,Towns and Villages

Old towns, guzhen, are a concept in heritage studies describing the form of traditional settle ment while historic towns, mingzhen, are listed by governmental administrations to honor the old towns that have been well preserved and are often used as a resource to promote local tourism. The transition from old towns to historic towns reflects the awkward situation of the preservation of traditional settlements in China.The study on old towns started earlier than that of historic towns, therefore has gained more research findings especially in fields of humanities and social science. Periodic differences are seen in terms of research top ics and levels, which are also seen in the practice of old towns preservation. Regional differences regarding both research and practice are prominent. Given the inappropriateness to define historic cities, towns and vil lages as immovable heritage, and the further attentions and efforts are needed on old towns studies, a law on heritage preservation covering old cities, towns and villages is called for.