IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B

Abstract

After long implementing a strict zero-Covid policy, Macao has relaxed many restrictions since December 2022 including strict lockdowns and quarantine rules for visitors. It has reopened its border to both domestic and international tourists since it imposed travel restrictions in early 2020. Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre of Macao needs re-examining its roles and everyday uses as the way that high-density cities like Macao leverage their heritage sites in the post-pandemic era have a significant impact not only on visitors’ travel experiences but also on ordinary residents’ daily urban life. Selecting the densely populated Historic Centre of Macao as a case area, this preliminary study employs physical survey, observations, and narrative city walks to examine physical attributes of a Macao’s historical district, investigate travelers’ and residents’ spatial uses, needs, and their interactions, and then critically reflect on the design and management of inner-city heritage site in the post pandemic. It is found that travelers and residents are likely having a tacit mutual understanding of utilizing and making the historic urban area as their own places. The relationship between locals and non-locals is seemingly harmonized. The everyday placemaking of urban heritage thus needs unlocking.