Revitalizing architectural heritage can be a challenging process, as it requires balancing the need to preserve the significant heritage values of these buildings with the desire to open them up for public use. In recent years, China has been actively exploring ways to conserve and use architectural heritage resources. In 2019, the National Cultural Heritage Administration published Guidelines for the Open Use of Heritage Buildings. In 2020, the first six National Demonstration Zones for the Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage were set up. These state-level initiatives aim to analyze the exemplary practice and popularize them to the wider areas of China.

In view of this important trend in the field, within the scope of architectural heritage conservation and revitalization, this Special Issue warmly welcomes research articles dealing with but not limited to the following aspects: policies development, operation and management, value interpretation, community enhancement, adaptive-reuse and exhibition design, and conservation technology. This Special Collection aims to showcase innovative concepts, creative local solutions, exploratory evaluation methodology, as well as critical discussions for revitalizing heritage buildings.