The Survival of Rituals and Traditional Culture

Practicing United Temples in Singapore's Community Planning

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges and innovative approaches to preserving traditional cultural heritage with rapid urbanization, through a comparative analysis of temple management and urban planning in Singapore and coastal cities in China such as Putian and Macau. Singapore's model of united temples demonstrates the potential for effectively protecting heritage within urban planning frameworks, while coastal cities in China face evolving urban landscapes and challenges in heritage preservation. The concept of "roof-top temples" emerging in Putian reflects dynamic responses to urbanization pressures, integrating traditional culture with contemporary urban functions. Community engagement and government policies play crucial roles in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting sustainable urban development. By drawing on best practices from Singapore and coastal cities in China, pathways toward inclusive and sustainable urban development can be formulated for cities like Putian, ensuring the flourishing of rich cultural heritage amidst changing urban landscapes.