Search Results (26)

In Calabria coastal regions, seaward and landward sides could be connected through the ecological role of fluvial catchments. Calabria Tyrrhenian coast shows a wilderness area, characterized by two terrestrial and marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) connected by the fluvial catchment of Verri stream. The bibliographic search was realized according to a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, as a standardized method for screening the most relevant literature. The field survey, conducted in the study area, highlighted high biodiversity levels and a great natural heritage represented by 189 plant species and 130 animal ones. According to the resulting data, the basin represents a classical model of ecological corridor linking terrestrial and marine SACs, as cornerstones of Natura 2000 network, so representing the European assessment for biodiversity conservation. This paper highlights the high biological richness of a wilderness area showing the tight relationship between the continental and the marine districts of the same coastal region. The main goal of the research is to remark the fundamental role of fluvial corridors within a regional approach where riverine catchments could represent the connecting steps of the network. In Calabria it is hopeful to establish a functional connectivity amongst protected areas supported by fluvial corridors along the regional basins. Full article

Railway heritage corridors, which integrate cultural history and natural landscapes, face limitations within the conventional “axis extension” construction model, where protection zones are radiated from existing railway lines. This approach hinders the development of cross-regional heritage networks and lacks scientific quantification in boundary delineation. This study proposes an innovative spatial planning paradigm for railway heritage corridors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, integrating railway heritage with the urban environment. Utilizing the minimum cumulative resistance model, a multidimensional resistance surface was created to identify potential corridor patterns based on centrality. Circuit theory quantified global connectivity, and statistical methods defined corridor widths. The case study identified 19 sources and 42 corridors across 54,399.42 km², with an average length of 111.48 km and width of 9.24 km. These corridors form a closed network radiating from multiple centers, offering guidance for BTH tourism planning and heritage management. Full article

As a multi-ethnic border region of China, Xinjiang hosts revolutionary cultural tourism resources (RCTRs) that embody historical memory and the spirit of frontier reclamation, while also playing a strategic role in strengthening national identity and maintaining regional stability. Yet, their spatial distribution is highly uneven due to geographical, historical, and socio-economic constraints. This study analyzes 135 representative sites using a dual framework of spatial pattern analysis and driving mechanism quantification. Nearest neighbor index, imbalance index, Lorenz curve, geographic concentration index, kernel density estimation, and hotspot analysis results reveal a clustered “multi-core–peripheral attenuation” pattern with pronounced regional disparities. GIS-based overlay analysis identifies natural thresholds of moderate elevation (834–2865 m) and gentle slopes (0–8.65°), while socio-economic factors such as transportation corridors and population density amplify clustering effects. Geographic Detector results confirm road network density (q = 0.85, p < 0.01) and historical site density (q = 0.79, p < 0.01) as dominant drivers, with interactions between natural and social factors enhancing explanatory power above 0.90. These findings highlight the coupled influence of topographic suitability and socio-economic accessibility. Policy recommendations include optimizing road network layouts, adopting tiered heritage protection, and fostering cross-regional cooperation. The study provides scientific evidence for balanced development and sustainable conservation of RCTRs, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to cultural heritage, regional equity, and inclusive growth. Full article

The railway architectural heritage in Jilin Province, as a significant component of Northeast China’s modern railway network, demonstrates how construction techniques, cultural integration, and social transformation have evolved throughout different historical periods. In this study, we conducted a systematic survey of 474 railway heritage buildings along the province’s main line. In order to quantitatively classify the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the heritage sites, we used five key Geographic Information System (GIS) methods—kernel density estimation, nearest neighbour index, spatial autocorrelation, standard deviational ellipses, and mean centre analysis—along with information entropy, relative richness, and the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index. We continued our binary logistic regression using four prerequisite parameters—location, structure, architecture, and function—which contribute to the prerequisite, fundamental, and driving factors of architectural heritage. We concluded that local culture shapes geopolitics, population migration triggers economic conservation, and design trends carry ideology. These three factors intertwine to influence architecture and spatial patterns. Compared with previous studies, this research fills the gap concerning the architectural characteristics of towns at various lower-and mid-level stations, as well as the construction activities during the affiliated land period. This study provides a systematic framework for analysing railway heritage corridors and supports their sustainable conservation and reuse. Full article

Urban–rural mountainous regions face persistent challenges in reconciling ecological conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and recreational demands, all of which are vital to advancing social sustainability. This study develops an integrated corridor framework for the Qinling–Daba region that couples ecological, heritage, and recreational networks within a socially sustainable planning perspective. Ecological sources were identified using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) combined with connectivity indices (IIC, PC, dPC). Heritage and recreation resources were inventoried through field surveys and prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Function-specific corridors were modelled with a Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) approach, and the three networks were synthesized through GIS overlay and hotspot analysis. The results indicate that there are 19 ecological sources and 28 corridors, 34 heritage nodes and 41 corridors, and 29 recreation nodes and 50 corridors. The composite network comprises 69 key nodes and 141 segments, classified into four node categories and three corridor types. Derived planning directives include graded buffer zones, continuity of riparian and forest belts, remediation of breakpoints with wildlife-friendly crossings, and universal accessibility standards for high-demand sites. By aligning ecological integrity, cultural values, and equitable access, the proposed framework offers a reproducible pathway to integrate people and places through multifunctional corridors. Beyond regional application, this research provides transferable insights for socially sustainable governance of urban–rural built environments in mountainous territories, supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11. Full article

To address the challenges of the loss of ethnic cultural carriers and the spatial fragmentation of landscape management due to rural population shrinkage, constructing heritage corridors has emerged as a crucial strategy for integrating fragmented resources, enhancing cultural landscape connectivity, and improving functional resilience. Using the Nanling Ethnic Corridor in China as a case study, this research proposes an integrated method combining Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model, aiming to construct a landscape heritage corridor network for ethnic villages. Firstly, LCA was employed to identify 12 categories of landscape characters, followed by a multi-dimensional value evaluation to determine high-value landscape areas. Subsequently, MSPA was used to extract core landscape patches, and the importance of these patches was assessed by combining connectivity indices (dIIC, dPC), resulting in the identification of 48 key landscape source areas. Finally, the MCR model was applied to generate potential corridors, and a heritage corridor network was formed through the optimization of topological nodes. The results indicate that (1) the heritage network consists of 48 source areas and 151 corridors, forming a structure with “two vertical and one horizontal” main axes and a circular branch network; (2) spatial distribution of source areas and corridors exhibits aggregation in the central and western regions and sparsity in the southeast, closely aligning with the distribution of ethnic villages and high-value landscape areas; (3) the optimized corridor network significantly improves the connection efficiency and resilience of cultural nodes. This study provides a scientific foundation for the systematic conservation, spatial optimization, and sustainable development of cultural heritage in ethnic regions experiencing population shrinkage. Full article

The Qinba Mountain Region in southern Shaanxi, China, is both a key ecological barrier and a repository of cultural heritage, yet its traditional villages remain highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Disaster-relocation policies have reduced direct exposure to hazards but also created challenges such as settlement hollowing and weakening of cultural continuity. However, systematic studies on the resilience mechanisms of these villages and a corresponding governance framework remain limited. This study applies social–ecological resilience theory to evaluate the resilience of 57 nationally recognized traditional villages. Using a combination of Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), the entropy weight method, and the geographical detector model, we construct a three-dimensional evaluation framework encompassing terrain adaptability, hazard exposure, and ecological sensitivity. The results show that the Terrain Adaptability Index (TAI) is the dominant driver of resilience, with an explanatory power of q = 0.61, while the interaction of Hazard Exposure Index (HEI, q = 0.58) and Ecological Sensitivity Index (ESI, q = 0.49) produces a nonlinear enhancement effect, significantly increasing vulnerability. Approximately 83% of villages adopt a “peripheral attachment–core avoidance” strategy, and 57% of high-resilience villages (CRI ≥ 0.85) rely on traditional clan-based networks and drainage systems to offset ecological fragility. Based on these differentiated resilience characteristics, the study proposes a three-tiered governance framework of core protection areas–ecological restoration zones–cultural corridors. While this framework demonstrates broad applicability, its findings are context-specific to the Qinba Mountains. Future studies should apply the model to other mountainous regions and integrate dynamic simulation methods to assess climate change impacts, thereby expanding the generalizability of resilience governance strategies. Full article

As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region. Full article

The agroecosystems of tea plantations play a significant role in regional ecosystem services, with some recognized as Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Despite notable progress in conserving these unique agricultural landscapes, systematic approaches to delineating the core conservation zone and establishing robust ecological networks for agricultural heritage systems remain insufficient. This study employed the Enshi Yulu Tea Agricultural Heritage System as a case study, integrating the MaxEnt model, InVEST model, and circuit theory to quantitatively assess landscape connectivity and prioritize conservation efforts. The analysis delineated a core conservation zone of 718.04 km² for tea plantations, identified 77 ecological corridors, and pinpointed 104 critical ecological nodes. The results indicate 43.96 km² of synergistic areas between tea plantations and ecological sources, demonstrating that the agroecosystems of tea plantations provide higher ESs values compared to monoculture plantations and farmlands. In addition, an ecological optimization framework featuring a “four belts and four zones” spatial configuration was proposed, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting the sustainable development of tea plantation agricultural heritage. The proposed framework can provide evidence-based references for future policy formulation, and deliver actionable insights for land-use planning, habitat restoration, and infrastructure mitigation. Full article

Traditional villages are irreplaceable cultural heritages, embodying complex human–environment interactions. This study uses historical geography analysis, kernel density estimation, centroid migration modeling, and Geodetector techniques to analyze the 2000-year spatiotemporal evolution and formation mechanisms of 224 nationally designated traditional villages in China’s Qinling-Daba Mountains. The findings are as follows: (1) These villages significantly cluster on sunny slopes of hills and low mountains with moderate gradients. They are also closely located near waterways, ancient roads, and historic cities. (2) From the embryonic stage during the Qin and Han dynasties, through the diffusion and transformation phases in the Wei, Jin, Song, and Yuan dynasties, to the mature stage in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the spatial center of these villages shifted distinctly southwestward. This migration was accompanied by expansion along waterway transport corridors, an enlarged spatial scope, and a decrease in directional concentration. (3) The driving forces evolved from a strong coupling between natural conditions and infrastructure in the early stage to human-dominated adaptation in the later stage. Agricultural innovations, such as terraced fields, and sociopolitical factors, like migration policies, overcame environmental constraints through the synergistic effects of cultural and economic networks. Full article

This study focuses on the systematic conservation of historical architectural heritage in Heilongjiang Province, particularly addressing the challenges of point-based protection and spatial fragmentation. It explores the construction of a connected and conductive heritage corridor network, using historical building clusters across the province as empirical cases. A comprehensive analytical framework is established by integrating the nearest neighbor index, kernel density estimation, minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, entropy weighting, circuit theory, and network structure metrics. Kernel density analysis reveals a distinct spatial aggregation pattern, characterized by “one core, multiple zones.” Seven resistance factors—including elevation, slope, land use, road networks, and service accessibility—are constructed, with weights assigned through an entropy-based method to generate an integrated resistance surface and suitability map. Circuit theory is employed to simulate cultural “current” flows, identifying 401 potential corridors at the provincial, municipal, and district levels. A hierarchical station system is further developed based on current density, forming a coordinated structure of primary trunks, secondary branches, and complementary nodes. The corridor network’s connectivity is evaluated using graph-theoretic indices (α, β, and γ), which indicate high levels of closure, structural complexity, and accessibility. The results yield the following key findings: (1) Historical architectural resources in Heilongjiang demonstrate significant coupling with the Chinese Eastern Railway and multi-ethnic cultural corridors, forming a “one horizontal, three vertical” spatial configuration. The horizontal axis (Qiqihar–Harbin–Mudanjiang) aligns with the core cultural route of the railway, while the three vertical axes (Qiqihar–Heihe, Harbin–Heihe, and Mudanjiang–Luobei) correspond to ethnic cultural pathways. This forms a framework of “railway as backbone, ethnicity as wings.” (2) Comparative analysis of corridor paths, railways, and highways reveals structural mismatches in certain regions, including absent high-speed connections along northern trunk lines, insufficient feeder lines in secondary corridors, sparse terminal links, and missing ecological stations near regional boundaries. To address these gaps, a three-tier transportation coordination strategy is recommended: it comprises provincial corridors linked to high-speed rail, municipal corridors aligned with conventional rail, and district corridors connected via highway systems. Key enhancement zones include Yichun–Heihe, Youyi–Hulin, and Hegang–Wuying, where targeted infrastructure upgrades and integrated station hubs are proposed. Based on these findings, this study proposes a comprehensive governance paradigm for heritage corridors that balances multi-level coordination (provincial–municipal–district) with ecological planning. A closed-loop strategy of “identification–analysis–optimization” is developed, featuring tiered collaboration, cultural–ecological synergy, and multi-agent dynamic evaluation. The framework provides a replicable methodology for integrated protection and spatial sustainability of historical architecture in Heilongjiang and other cold-region contexts. Full article

Traditional settlements are vital carriers of Chinese agricultural civilization yet face mounting challenges in protection and inheritance amid rapid urbanization. Taking ancient Huizhou as a case study, this research analyzes the spatial distribution patterns of cross-provincial traditional settlements and constructs a multi-level heritage corridor network through circuit theory modeling and space syntax analysis. The study reveals a “small aggregation, large dispersion” spatial structure shaped by natural geography and socio-cultural dynamics. Simulation of multi-path cultural flows and network analysis show that high betweenness corridors concentrate along the northeast–southwest axis, promoting efficient cultural circulation, while low betweenness areas highlight gaps in direct connectivity. Closeness analysis identifies She County as the cultural core with a single-center radial structure, though internal fragmentation persists. Based on these findings, the study proposes a “three-core-driven, two-axis linkage, multi-source synergy” protection strategy to strengthens the spatial integrity and resilience of the heritage network. This research not only provides a systematic framework for the holistic conservation of Huizhou settlement heritage but also offers methodological references for the protection of traditional settlements in broader regions. Full article

In recent years, there appears to be a notable transition towards preserving heritage on a regional scale, aiming to promote the authenticity and integrity of traditional settlements. The complex natural topography of these settlements, along with their spread-out arrangement, poses significant challenges to their protection and preservation. With the acceleration of urbanization and the implementation of the national strategy of building a twin-city economic circle in the Chengdu–Chongqing region, economic, cultural, and ecological exchanges between the twin cities have become the key dimensions of their construction. In this context, the concept of the BaShu Cultural Tourism Corridor has emerged, and the traditional settlement sites in the study area have become an important node of urban–rural integration and the BaShu Cultural Tourism Corridor. The primary objective of this study is to establish a heritage corridor protection network for traditional settlements along the Chengdu–Chongqing Ancient Post Road within the Sichuan Basin of China as an example, using the minimum cost resistance model. This approach comprises several key steps: selecting traditional settlements, analyzing their distribution traits, calculating the resistance value for the spread of traditional settlement culture, identifying potential cultural corridors, identifying cultural spaces, and, thus, constructing a protection network. The results show that the spatial distribution of traditional settlements in the study area shows obvious clustering characteristics, the core ecological space in this study is located in the mountains in the north and the southwest, and the cultural spaces are located along the central and southwestern sections, creating a linear distribution pattern. In the ecological culture corridor network, the Premier Corridor is the most extensive of the three categories, connects important cultural area, and serves as a vital conduit for developing heritage tourism strategies. This research aims to bolster the comprehensive protection and application of the region’s traditional cultural heritage, fostering the integration of urban and rural zones and enhancing regional cultural tourism. Future research directions are to integrate the conservation of traditional settlements and the surrounding environment at different planning scales with local policies and to expand the role of digital technology in the data management and visualization of ecocultural corridors. Full article

This study focuses on constructing a heritage corridor for traditional villages in the Taihu Lake region, aiming to promote the cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development of these villages through innovative pathway design. Based on the spatial distribution characteristics of traditional villages across five cities surrounding Taihu Lake (Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Huzhou, and Jiaxing) and the existing transportation network, this research integrates the Circuit Effective Conductance (CEC) theory with ArcGIS spatial analysis methods to optimize the pathways of the heritage corridor. The results show that the expected nearest neighbor distance of 307 traditional villages in the Taihu Lake region is 5245.61 m, with the actual nearest neighbor distance being 3385.60 m, a z-score of −11.85, and a nearest neighbor index of 0.645786, indicating that traditional villages in this region exhibit clustered distribution. Combined with kernel density results, a “dual-core–four zones–multiple scatter points” spatial structure of traditional villages in the Taihu Lake region is revealed, with Dongshan Island and Wujiang District serving as the primary and secondary cultural cores, respectively. By establishing a “dual-ring heritage corridor” spatial network, a stable pathway for village heritage preservation and cultural transmission has been formed, consisting of 137 heritage corridors. Meanwhile, the CEC model demonstrates high adaptability in generating circular heritage corridors, particularly in creating closed-loop structures around the lake, thereby enhancing the spatial connectivity of the corridors and facilitating the effective flow of cultural resources. Through the strategic design of outer and inner ring corridors, this study successfully links traditional villages in the Taihu Lake region and develops optimal travel routes. The study provides practical solutions for the protection, revitalization, and integration of cultural tourism in the region and offers a new perspective for constructing heritage corridors in lakefront geographies in China. Full article

The traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road carry rich historical and cultural heritage, holding significant humanistic and scientific value. However, with the rapid pace of urbanization and modernization, the inheritance and protection of the cultural landscapes in these traditional villages face numerous challenges. Based on this, this study focuses on Xiamen Village, a traditional village along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road, utilizing the perspective of the landscape gene information chain to reveal the performance and genetic characteristics of its unique and regionally distinctive cultural landscape genes. The study provides theoretical support for the protection and inheritance of cultural landscapes in traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road. The results show that: (1) The overall cultural landscape of Xiamen Village has been well preserved, with notable characteristics in environment, layout, architecture, and culture, demonstrating its rich historical and cultural accumulation, and offering high research and conservation value; (2) The landscape gene information chain of Xiamen Village plays a critical role in integrating the village’s cultural landscape. The landscape gene information elements and points express the village’s unique historical inheritance through regional culture and material forms. The “branch-like” structure of the landscape gene information corridors effectively connects the various landscape gene information points, while the landscape gene information network reflects the interaction between tradition and modernity; (3) The landscape gene information chain of Xiamen Village shows a relationship of coexistence between inheritance and change in its genetic characteristics. Although some landscape genes face challenges from modernization, their core traits have not been lost. The inheritance of the landscape genes is not static but adjusts and reconstructs within an evolving social and cultural context, reflecting adaptability and flexibility in response to modern demands. Full article