Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Traditional Villages in China

Traditional villages carry the essence of traditional culture, which is necessary for rural revitalisation. However, continuous urban expansion has resulted in the rapid decline and even disappearance of these villages in recent decades. It is necessary to analyse the spatial pattern and influencing factors for the protection and development of traditional villages. Previous studies focused on the value and theoretical protection mechanism of traditional villages in China, disregarding their spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors. Thus, we employed a Geographic Information System and spatial analysis with mathematical statistics to analyse the characteristics of these villages. Moreover, we analysed the associated influencing factors both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that traditional villages were mainly distributed in the southeast of the Hu Line in China, with an unbalanced spatial distribution pattern and an agglomeration distribution tendency. In general, four major agglomeration areas of traditional villages formed at the junction of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan provinces; the border between the Guizhou, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces; the border between the Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces; and northwestern and southeastern Yunnan provinces. Traditional villages also existed in areas with relief lower than 300 m, altitudes of less than 1000 m, and slopes of less than 10 degrees. They were mostly distributed in subtropical and temperate zones. A positive correlation was found between traditional villages and the level of economic development, population, and human history; conversely, the transportation network was negatively correlated. This study reveals the complex and diverse characteristics of traditional villages and provides scientific suggestions for their future protection, development, and utilisation.