Balancing Residents and Tourists: Evaluating Public Building Spaces in Ancient Towns of Fujian, China, Using the IPA–Kano Model

Ancient town tourism has become an important component of cultural tourism in China. However, rapid tourism growth has intensified differences in the use of public spaces between residents and tourists, leading to increasing spatial tensions in historic urban areas. This study evaluates public building spaces in ancient towns from the perspectives of residents and tourists and identifies their differentiated needs. Three representative ancient towns in Fujian Province, China, with different tourism resource types and development characteristics, were selected as case studies. The IPA–KANO approach was used to examine differences in user perceptions and priority needs. Based on a literature review, an evaluation system was developed with three dimensions: traditional style, sensory experience, and supporting facilities. The results reveal clear resident–tourist differences in public space priorities and show that these differences vary across ancient towns with different tourism development contexts. Residents place greater emphasis on the maintenance of the environment and facilities and on everyday usability, whereas tourists are more sensitive to public toilet settings and sun and rain shelter facilities. These findings indicate that resident–tourist divergence is context dependent rather than fixed and provide a basis for differentiated spatial optimization and sustainable management.