*2.2. Space Production and Cultural Practice*

Following Marx's idea of "spatial criticism", Lefebvre's theory of spatial production set off a research boom in "spatial transformation" [31]. Space production refers to the process by which space is produced, constructed, and reshaped under various political, economic, and social forces. In the process, space broke through the rigid constraints of the physical form, extended from materialized entities to the spiritual and social realms, and gradually spread to the entire social structure. Space became a mapping of social relations and social practices [32,33]. Since the 1990s, the theory of spatial production has become an essential perspective for explaining China's contradictory relationship between people and land and the binary structure of urban and rural areas. It is worth noting that the "visible hand" of the government has a significant position in China's socioeconomic development. Therefore, it is necessary to re-examine the social relations in the process of spatial production from a liberal perspective and outside the framework of the market economy [34].

Harvey used and disseminated Lefebvre's view earlier. He believed that spatial organization and structure are the needs and products of production [35]. He constructed the "triple cycle of capital" model, arguing that the three elements of spatial production theory are capital, class, and superstructure [36]. In practice, capital and class always appear together. However, in the context of Chinese society, it is necessary to focus on the role of political factors in space production. In particular, in many practices, such as rural reconstruction, heritage restoration, and utilization, relevant legal systems and planning skills must give legitimacy to certain types of space production. In addition, the production of a series of pieces of "knowledge", such as expert discourse and public opinion, also affects the direction and mode of spatial production [37,38]. That is, the state and representation work together.

In addition, Foucault believes that power is the prerequisite and condition for space to be produced, and space is a necessary tool for power operation [39]. His analysis of power relations provides a new perspective and method for spatial production. Unlike Harvey, Foucault emphasizes micro-scale practice and the importance of power. On the one hand, the ways of granting power are rich and diverse, including capital and knowledge; on the other hand, the different types of power possessed by different subjects are also very different, which echoes the problem that "class" is difficult to define by a single standard. Therefore, this paper replaces "class" with "power subject" and tries constructing a theoretical framework of spatial production with capital, power subject, and superstructure as the core.

Since the 1990s, culture has received increasing attention as an important driving force for promoting rural development. In the process of cultural-oriented rural revitalization, economic and political purposes are often hidden but permeate the process of cultural heritage brand construction with cultural elements as the carrier [40]. In the extension of

the space field, the spatial production caused by tourism has gradually received attention. Moreover, attention as a representative method outlines a new research paradigm for deconstructing the social and natural space [41], reflecting the design and shaping process of various production methods and social elements of the destination in the tourist space. It more intuitively shows the concept and pattern of space production.

In summary, the theory of spatial production shows the characteristics of multiple intertwining perspectives in the field of discipline and research, and the research direction provides a theoretical reference for explaining the mechanism of the rebirth of heritage. The theory of space production overemphasizes the dominant role of capital and power in space production and, to a certain extent, ignores the critical role played by cultural factors in it [42]. Therefore, it is necessary to re-examine how to embed cultural factors in spatial production rather than limiting it to a means or tool. Multiple forces will regulate cultural forms, but culture will also dynamically shape people's identity and imagination through various forms of representation [43]. This research uses the course of time as the clue and embeds culture around it based on the spatial production analysis framework of capital, power subject, and superstructure; explores the spatial production mode and mechanism of LCH in the process of its restoration and utilization; and further extends and expands the theory of spatial production.

#### **3. Research Context and Methodology**

#### *3.1. Description of the Study Area*

As an important part of the South China Historical Trail, Meiguan Ancient Road is located in Nanxiong, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. It originated in the Tang Dynasty and spatially starts at Zhuji Ancient Lane in the south and ends at Meiguan Guanlou in the north. With a length of 18km, it passes through Shitang Village, Lingtan Village, Zhongzhan Village, Meiling Village, and other villages. As the only land passage in the Jingguang Historical Trail, the Meiguan Historical Trail is also known as the landmark of the ancient Silk Road on land and has played an essential role in trade and cultural exchanges. After various periods of repair and maintenance, Meiguan Historical Trail is full of plum blossoms, and the natural ecological landscape is of outstanding value. However, since 1949, the highway connecting Dayu and Nanxiong opened to traffic, and the Meiguan Historical Trail was gradually replaced by the Xiongyu Highway, experiencing silence for nearly 40 years.

In 2004, the Nanxiong Government issued the "Nanxiong Tourism Development Master Plan", which involved the tourism plan for Meiguan Historical Trail. However, the ancient villages and historical sites that classify as linear were scattered around, which made it difficult to activate and use. After the activation and utilization project of the South China Historical Trail covering 1320 villages within 5 km that classify as linear, the Meiguan Historical Trail received financial support from the provincial government in 2016. With the cooperation of the government and the Guangdong Volunteer Association of Planners, Architects, and Engineers (professional and technical personnel represented by planners, architects, and engineers, referred to as the "Third Division Professional Volunteer Association"), the restoration and utilization of the Meiguan Historical Trail was fully launched. Meiguan Historical Trail has gradually transformed from its original residential space to a cultural consumption space integrating leisure tourism and sports. Tourism revenue has also multiplied from CNY 6.46 million in 2016 to more than CNY 200 million in 2018, and tourism has developed rapidly.
