The designation, conservation and tourism development of agricultural heritage systems, which are embedded with intricate human–nature relations, could significantly influence community livelihoods. Therefore, a livelihood approach is critical for agricultural heritage conservation and the sustainability of the hosting community. Taking Guanhou Village, Xuanhua Grape Garden Urban Agricultural Heritage Site as an example, this study examines impacts of heritage conservation and tourism on the community livelihood system and its implications for community livelihood sustainability. A sustainable livelihood framework is adopted to guide the analysis. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with management officials, village leaders and village residents. The research identified the importance of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) designation on raising government support and public awareness on conservation. Tourism emerges as an alternative livelihood to some residents which exerts positive economic influence. However, tourism participation is currently at a low level which restricted the distribution of benefits. The sustainability of local rural livelihood is at risk due to the rapid urbanization, the decline of human resources and the insufficient integration of traditional agriculture with tourism. Practical implications were discussed to enhance local participation and tourism contribution to GIAHS conservation.

This paper reviews and assesses the Chinese academic literature on World Heritage Sites. Management structure, lack of financial resources, impacts on the World Heritage Sites and heritage education are themes that are commonly addressed. Research opportunities are identified. In particular, the need for more detailed case studies on a greater variety of sites is required. Such studies should be informed by clear concepts and appropriate theoretical frameworks if knowledge is to be cumulative and lead to the enhanced management of World Heritage Sites.

Many stakeholders are engaged in heritage tourism at World Heritage sites, but local communities are among the most important and affected. The management structure and the nature of local communities influence how the latter are involved in heritage tourism. Community involvement can be categorised into participation in decision making and in benefit acquisition. This study examines and compares the management structure and the status of involvement at two places adjacent to the Great Wall in Beijing, China. Key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys were employed, supplemented by analysis of plans, and it was found that communities receive benefits from tourism despite their minimal participation in planning and management decisions. A two-dimensional framework comprising decision making and benefit acquisition is developed to position communities on these criteria, to evaluate community involvement, and to indicate areas for improvement.