Chrono-urbanism in action: Collaborative governance for heritage preservation and livability in Beijing's Hutongs

This study examines the urban planning phenomenon of heritage to community, focusing on how collaborative governance integrates heritage preservation with livability. Using Beijing's Shijia and Sanjing Hutongs as case studies, we examine how these communities balance historical integrity with modern living needs. Employing door-to-door surveys and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study reveals that collaborative governance enhances neighborhood satisfaction by strengthening social capital and local attachment, which in turn improves heritage preservation awareness and outcomes. The findings highlight that enhancing livability is not just compatible with preservation but essential to it. Additionally, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) is used to assess the role of the Shijia Hutong Museum as a spatial foundation for collaborative governance, demonstrating how such spaces strengthen collective action. This research positions cultural heritage within the chrono-urbanism framework, offering a new perspective on balancing the dual goals of heritage preservation and livability. • Chrono-urbanism offers an approach to balancing heritage preservation and livability. • Only improving community livability can promote heritage preservation. • Collaborative governance strengthens community cohesion, thereby promoting collective action. • Spatial foundations for collaborative governance strengthen collective action.