This book delves deep into China's World Heritage - listed urban sites: Pingyao, Lijiang, Macao, and Kulangsu (Gulangyu), which cities, as living cultural heritage, offer a rich vein of research material. The book uncovers how these cities have evolved over time, bringing insights for understanding the long - term processes shaping urban heritage globally. By exploring their urban spatial layouts, it explores how different cultures and historical periods have influenced the organization of urban space. Architectural ensembles and residential environments in these cities are also closely examined offering a fresh perspective on architectural styles and housing cultures that have been preserved over centuries, contributing to cross - cultural research on architecture. The cultural characteristics and conservation practices are thoroughly explored. Through vivid descriptions and in - depth analysis, this book not only presents authoritative and up - to - date knowledge on world heritage but also enriches the global academic discourse on urban heritage. It is an essential read for heritage studies academics, offering new research angles and data for those exploring urban heritage from a global perspective.