“Place Making and Rural Tourism in China”
March 3, 2025
The article details a new transdisciplinary program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign called "Place Making and Rural Tourism in China." This program is one of two projects funded by the Global South Community-Based Learning Programs grant, an initiative of the university's Vision 2030 Global Strategy funded by the Office of the Provost.
The program consists of three interdisciplinary courses:
- ARCH 572 (Architecture) taught by Windy Zhao
- ARTD 499 (Art & Design) taught by Molly Briggs
- RST 594/199 (Recreation, Sport, and Tourism) taught by Sharon Zou
The program invites Illinois students to collaborate on developing architectural plans, tourism strategies, wayfinding plans, and place-making activities for Xihu Village in Jiangxi Province, China. In February 2025, students traveled to China for a week-long study abroad opportunity, while others completed related campus-based activities.
Each course contributes differently to the program:
- ARCH 572 focuses on creating innovative planning and design proposals
- ARTD 499 develops wayfinding and memory-making plans
- RST 199/594 explores community-based tourism development principles
The program is rooted in community-engaged, human-centered design and planning, with the goal of helping create a sustainable future for the village's residents and visitors. Rather than imposing solutions, the professors aim to work with local stakeholders to develop sustainable approaches based on cultural identity and evolving needs.
