Exploration of the Cultural Heritage Distribution Along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and Its Implications: A Case Study of Cultural Relics Protection Units in the Jiangsu Section

The Grand Canal, the world’s longest artificial waterway, is a cultural treasure deeply embedded in China’s historical traditions. This study emphasizes the importance of safeguarding, preserving, and revitalizing this invaluable heritage to ensure its relevance. Guided by the “Regulations on the Protection and Management of the Grand Canal Heritage”, this research analyzed 276 cultural relics protection units within the Jiangsu section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Jiangsu-BHGC). By applying spatial geographic analysis techniques, including point density analysis and gravity shift models, the study mapped the historical evolution, spatial distribution, and typological characteristics of these relics. Additionally, using ArcGIS and geographic detectors, the research explored factors influencing the distribution of these units, pinpointing critical determinants. This rigorous approach provides an in-depth understanding of the spatial arrangement of cultural heritage sites along the canal, supporting its coordinated development. By examining distribution patterns and key attributes, the study offers theoretical insights and data-driven guidance for optimizing the sustainable use of this cultural heritage.