Immersive Theatre and Urban Cultural Governance in China: Revitalising Public Spaces Under the ‘Cultural Tourism Integration’ Policy

This study investigates how Chinese local governments have revitalised public spaces through the implementation of the "cultural tourism integration policy", with a particular focus on balancing immersive theatre development and urban cultural governance. Through an in-depth comparative analysis of three case studies, the research reveals that all three local governments have adopted governance frameworks that support the central government's cultural agenda, promote urban regeneration, and encourage artistic innovation under ideological constraints. Among them, the Shanghai local government demonstrates the most effective strategy. Its market-orientated approach, underpinned by strategic partnerships with leading technology enterprises, has successfully positioned the city as a cultural tourism hub. By transforming industrial docks into immersive theatre venues, Shanghai has significantly enhanced both tourism and cultural engagement. In contrast, the other two local governments struggled to achieve a similar balance, as an overemphasis on ideological control inhibited theatrical innovation and limited the revitalisation of public spaces. Shanghai’s model illustrates how a well-calibrated synergy between cultural governance and creative freedom can drive effective urban renewal.