Research on the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Central China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

In the context of China’s rural revitalization strategy, it is of profound significance to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Central China, not only for the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture and the development of ICH, but also for the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy itself. From the perspective of cultural ecology, this study analyzed the spatial distribution and clustering characteristics of 407 national intangible cultural heritages in Henan, Hubei, and Hunan provinces in Central China by using the ArcGIS geographic concentration index, kernel density, and other methods. This study also explored natural and social environmental influencing factors and their interaction on ICH spatial distribution using geographic detectors. The findings revealed that the ICH distribution in Central China has an obvious agglomeration trend, showing a “five cores” distribution structure (dense in the upper and the middle areas but sparse in the lower area). The regions with high kernel density are mostly river-flowing regions and are comparatively developed. In terms of influencing factors, the influence of economic and environmental factors together is stronger than that of natural environmental factors alone, and the interaction force between rivers and economic development is the most influential. Based on the above research findings, we put forward suggestions on the protection and development, as well as “era value” exploration of ICH in Central China, in the hope of promoting regional coordinated advancement.

Study on the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors in the Reuse of National Industrial Heritage Sites in China

“…This aligns with similar conclusions from studies on influencing factors of geographic spatial distribution. When selecting factors influencing spatial distribution for reused industrial heritage sites, it is essential to consider historical and cultural value, geographic location and environmental conditions, urban development planning, social needs and market potential, technological and economic feasibility, cultural protection policies, and societal awareness [2,5,81]. These factors will impact the spatial layout and functional positioning of reuse projects to ensure a balance between historical preservation and urban development.…”

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Sustainable Inheritance Strategies of National Traditional Fine Arts Intangible Cultural Heritage in China

“…The vulnerability of intangible cultures lies in their continuation through living environments and storage in the human body and mind, rather than just in documents, artifacts, and media [3]. Therefore, the 148 ICHA projects with zero inheritors are key projects for ICHA inheritance.…”

“…As per the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage [1], intangible cultural heritage (ICH) encompasses diverse practices, performances, forms of expression, knowledge systems, and skills, alongside tools, physical objects, handicrafts, and cultural spaces, acknowledged as cultural heritage by different communities, organizations, and, occasionally, individuals [2]. UNESCO has proposed the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage to uphold the world's more transient cultural expressions and the richness of global cultural diversity [3]. ICH represents the enduring collective civilization of humanity and serves as a symbol and embodiment of national identity.…”

A Study of the Spatial–Temporal Development Patterns and Influencing Factors of China’s National Archaeological Site Parks

“…Through field research in National Archaeological Site Parks such as Beijing Yuanmingyuan, Henan Yinxu, and Sichuan Sanxingdui, and by interviewing experts, the development status, geographical locations, and surrounding environments of National Archaeological Site Parks were discerned and the factors influencing the development of local resources, the environment, and the surrounding society were selected. Referring to policy information such as the Rules for the Evaluation of National Archaeological Site Parks [40] and the Measures for the Administration of National Archaeological Site Parks [35], as well as Chinese scholars' constructions of indicators affecting the spatialtemporal patterns of cultural heritage, such as traditional ancient villages [41], key cultural relic protection units [42], intangible cultural heritage [43], etc., the influencing factors were constructed (Table 1). The final output value of production activities of all permanent units per province CNY 100 millions…”