Global Versus Local: A Comparative Study of Cultural Heritage Preservation from Kyoto to Tainan

This thesis explores how Tainan, the ancient capital in Taiwan, and Kyoto, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage city in Japan, preserve their rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern life. Tainan, although historically significant, remains relatively unknown compared to Kyoto, which is celebrated globally for its effective heritage conservation practices. By examining these two cities, this study aims to identify lessons that Tainan can learn from Kyoto to improve its own strategies for sustainable cultural heritage preservation. The research delves into the policies and practices each city employs to maintain the authenticity of their architectural heritage. It includes a detailed analysis of policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement, highlighting how Tainan and Kyoto address the challenges of preserving cultural sites. The study reveals how Kyoto's approach to integrating heritage into contemporary urban life and promoting cultural tourism can serve as a model for Tainan. The findings suggest that Tainan can enhance its cultural preservation efforts by adopting strategies from Kyoto, such as fostering community involvement and balancing the needs of heritage conservation with urban development. This thesis provides a comprehensive look at how these two ancient capitals manage to protect their cultural legacies while remaining vibrant and relevant in the modern era.