The importance of integrating historic context and activities into heritage district: enhancing attraction and vitality

Rapid urbanization challenges the preservation of historical environments. This study explores how integrating historical context and cultural activities enhances the vitality of heritage districts (HDs), focusing on the Beijing Road Heritage District in Guangzhou, China. By analyzing Point of Interest (POI) data, Baidu Street View Images (BSVIs), and population metrics through methods of Coupling Coordination Degree, SHapley Additive exPlanations, and Grey Relational Analysis, the research examines the impact of functional density, historical context, and cultural activities on district vibrancy. The findings reveal that while Beijing Road Heritage District’s southern areas have successfully revitalized, smaller lanes and peripheral zones show uneven vitality. Nighttime activities, such as 3D screen shows and markets, have increased engagement, underscoring the importance of temporal factors in revitalization efforts. The study underscores the essential role of preserving and animating cultural heritage to foster sustainable development, providing valuable insights into strategies for enhancing the vibrancy of HDs in rapidly urbanizing environments.