<p>Cross-stage variability of topic salience.</p>

It further analyzes the evolutionary features of information structures across texts spanning these phases. The findings reveal a distinct phased evolution in the information structure of the place identity narrative for the Chinese Baroque Historic Area: the early stage was dominated by planning and policy documents, featuring highly concentrated information with institutional themes taking precedence. The middle stage saw a substantial increase in news and promotional texts, shifting the information structure from a high-concentration to a multi-thematic coexistence, accompanied by a redistribution of information priorities.

The late stage is dominated by promotional and new media texts, in which themes of experience, image, and daily life gradually take a central position, leading to a relatively balanced information structure. Overall, the place identity narrative continuously evolves and gradually stabilizes through adjustments in information priority and restructuring of relational dynamics. The findings reveal the dynamic mechanisms and structural evolution of place identity narratives, providing important insights for advancing urban renewal and place branding practices.</p></div>