Locality in the Vanishing and Transformed Food Markets: A Case Study from Xiamen Eighth Market

Abstract

Under the triple pressure of urban renewal, changes in the business environment and in young people's consumption habits, the demolition, closure or renovation of traditional food markets has become a common reality. However, as an important space for citizens' life and interaction, food markets often carry a unique regional culture, reflecting the changes of the city and local knowledge. The Eighth Market, known as the "Museum of Xiamen Humanities," is such a place carrying Xiamen's unique Marine culture and the collective memory of Xiamen people. This paper analyzes and interprets the generation and interaction of the local culture in the Eighth Market through literature and fieldwork, so as to put forward my own thoughts and suggestions on cultural protection of the ongoing renovation project of the food market in Xiamen.