Flexible authenticity: heritage remaking on modern buildings in Chan Street, Wenzhou, China

Authenticity is a core evaluation criterion in the field of architectural heritage. A review of heritage theories and international conventions shows that this criterion has continuously expanded and diversified over time. This is particularly evident in Western scholarship on heritage in the 1980s and the 1990s, for example, David Lowenthal’s work in “Critical Heritage Studies” argues that the essence of heritage should be regarded as a cultural production and exhibition. Heritage evolves dynamically, and its value is assigned by people, varying from person to person. This paper first discusses the theoretical foundations and implementation methods of heritage remaking. It then analyzes the project of Chan Street in historic Wenzhou, China, including its historical context, orientation, design strategies, and subsequent impacts. Through the case study, it illustrates how Chan Street has been transformed from a purely modern street to a “historical street”. The paper concludes with reflections on the ideas of authenticity, historic streets, historic quarters, and historical city conservation. The intention of this study is to exert a far-reaching influence on the future regeneration process of historical cities.