Cultural Heritage Frameworks and Governance in China and Europe: Lessons for Romania

Abstract This article examines the major theoretical frameworks shaping contemporary cultural heritage management (Authorized Heritage Discourse, Values-Based Heritage Management, Sustainable Heritage Management, Cultural Landscape Theory, and Heritage Tourism Theory) and evaluates their applicability across different governance and cultural contexts. Drawing on case studies from Europe and China, it analyzes how political systems, planning traditions, and cultural values influence the interpretation, conservation, and use of heritage. The comparative discussion highlights Europe’s shift toward participatory, community-centered governance and China’s state-directed model, which selectively incorporates international best practices while maintaining centralized narrative control. The paper then considers implications for Romania, positioned between these paradigms. It argues that Romania’s heritage sector would benefit from integrating participatory mechanisms, sustainability principles, and interdisciplinary approaches while adapting international models to local administrative and socio-cultural realities. Overall, the study demonstrates that heritage management must be context-sensitive, balancing expert knowledge, community values, and sustainable development to ensure the long-term vitality of cultural heritage.