Spatial–temporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of immovable cultural heritage in Jiangxi Province, China

Abstract

Immovable cultural heritage (IMCH) constitutes a vital material record of human civilization and represents a precious asset shared by all humanity. This study integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis and the Geodetector model, taking 1,032 IMCH sites in Jiangxi Province as the research object, to systematically investigate their spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors, and on this basis proposes strategies for their conservation and sustainable development. The findings reveal that: 1. IMCH in Jiangxi Province exhibits pronounced spatial clustering, with high- and sub-high-density agglomeration areas concentrated in the northern part of the province, forming an overall multi-core, two-belt distribution pattern. 2. The quantity of heritage is unevenly distributed across types and historical periods. Important modern historical sites and representative buildings are predominantly located in southern Jiangxi, while other types are mainly clustered in northern Jiangxi. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, the number of heritage sites has steadily increased, and the mean centers of heritage across different historical periods are primarily situated near Yichun and Fuzhou. 3. The spatial distribution of IMCH in Jiangxi Province is driven by multiple factors, among which natural environmental factors exhibit greater explanatory power than historical and human factors. The findings of this study enrich the theory and methodology of regional spatiotemporal distribution research on IMCH, provide a scientific basis for relevant policy formulation, and support local heritage conservation and adaptive reuse efforts.