Core Viewpoint - The new management measures for the maintenance fee in Lijiang Ancient Town, effective from August 1, 2025, reflect the challenges of balancing heritage protection, public demand, and tourism development in China [1] Group 1: Fee Structure and Public Perception - The maintenance fee is set at 50 yuan per person for a single entry, valid for 365 days, allowing unlimited access within that period [1] - The controversy surrounding the fee is less about the amount and more about the lack of consensus and communication with the public, leading to a disconnect between policy and public expectations [3] - The perception of the maintenance fee as similar to an entrance ticket creates confusion and hinders constructive consensus [3] Group 2: Sustainable Development and Funding - Charging fees to cover the costs of heritage protection, such as repairs and maintenance, is seen as a reasonable approach, but it may deter tourists in a competitive market [4] - The tension between the necessity of protection and market elasticity highlights the limitations of traditional fee structures, prompting a need for more inclusive cost-sharing methods [4] Group 3: Systematic Governance and Stakeholder Engagement - To resolve the fee dilemma, a shift from point-based fee adjustments to systematic governance is necessary, focusing on transparency, participation, and innovation [5] - A dynamic public mechanism should be established to regularly disclose how funds are used, ensuring that expenditures are linked to tangible heritage protection outcomes [5] - A multi-stakeholder negotiation platform should be created to include government, residents, merchants, tourists, and experts in decision-making processes [5] Group 4: New Revenue Models - Exploring new revenue models is crucial, moving beyond a reliance on ticket sales to creating new value through enhanced commercial offerings and services [6] - Examples include developing high-value cultural products, hosting unique cultural events, and cultivating boutique accommodations, with a portion of profits allocated for maintenance [6] - The ultimate goal of heritage protection should be to establish a governance system that balances protection, market vitality, and social inclusiveness, allowing cultural integrity to endure through time [6]