Cultural and historical development of small regions in Russia and China
Since the 1990s, small regions of Russia have been faced with certain difficulties caused by the disruptions in the Soviet economic system. In turn, towns in China are experiencing difficulties in attracting migrants and investment, falling behind large and developed cities. Thus, in the context of Sino-Russian spatial development, examining the mechanisms behind fostering the competitiveness of small municipalities by realizing their cultural and historical potential seems quite topical. As economic activity increasingly shifts to the tertiary sector, culture starts playing a more active role as one of the factors stimulating regional development. Boosting the cultural and historical development of a region helps to improve the quality of life, develop infrastructure and tourism, attract entrepreneurial talent and investment. This paper examines the role of small regions in the context of spatial development, demonstrates the developmental potential of cultural and historical heritage, highlights the similarities and differences in the cultural and historical development trajectory of small towns and rural areas in Russia and China.