Cultural gene mapping and dynamic transmission mechanisms analysis of Chengdu’s urban marketplaces in China

Chengdu’s traditional “Monthly Market Fairs” have a long history, and the rise of contemporary marketplaces has attracted significant attention. Rooted in Dawkins’ meme theory (1976), this study investigates the evolution of Chengdu’s marketplaces by tracing cultural genes. Using ancient texts, it identifies cultural genes of traditional “Monthly Market Fairs” to construct a gene map, traces their historical development; compares them with modern markets via social media data, and explores their transmission mechanisms. The results reveal that: (1) The cultural genes of Chengdu’s traditional “Monthly Market Fairs” can be categorized into five dimensions: temporal characteristics, spatial features, thematic focus, traditional activities, and major functions. (2) Chengdu’s markets peaked during the Tang and Song dynasties, and have since adapted continuously to historical contexts. (3) The mechanisms of inheritance, evolution, and reconstruction drive the continuity of market culture. The inheritance mechanism preserves core stability, with core cultural genes retaining resilience across eras. The evolution mechanism adapts forms and functions to external shifts, yet these processes face risks such as eroded ritual depth and diminished inclusivity. Sustainable renewal requires balancing innovation and tradition, by restoring community-centered spaces, fostering inclusive participation, and deepening ritual meaning, to keep markets culturally rooted and socially accessible.