Spatial evolution and influence mechanism of tourism in historic quarters from the postmodern consumption perspective: a case study of Pingjiang road and Shantang Street, Suzhou, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper compares the evolution of tourism space on Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street in China from the postmodern consumption perspective. It explains the inner logic of evolution with space production theory. Findings show that two historic quarters have been influenced by postmodern consumption in varying degrees. Pingjiang Road presented consumer culture and de-consumption culture simultaneously. While Shantang street showed the gradual increase of postmodern consumption's control over its tourism space. Capital, power, and subjects are crucial factors facilitating tourism spaces' evolution. Besides, evolutions can be illustrated by the triadic framework, representation of space, spatial practice, and space of representation.