Spatial Connectivity and Development Potential of Traditional Villages in Clustered Areas: A Case Study of Qiandongnan Prefecture

Jinyu Fan, Bohong Zheng (), Huayan Yuan, Boyang Zhang and Piao Zhang
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Jinyu Fan: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Bohong Zheng: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Huayan Yuan: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Boyang Zhang: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Piao Zhang: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-25

Abstract: Traditional villages, as forms of significant cultural heritage, have garnered global scholarly attention. This study focuses on the traditional village clusters in Qiandongnan Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes 415 nationally designated villages. Based on spatial relational analysis and other methods, this study explores the intrinsic relationship between the spatial connectivity of traditional village clusters and their development. The findings are as follows: 1. The spatial distribution of villages exhibits a “dense core, sparse periphery, and localized jumps” pattern. 2. There are five types of development, with over 70% based on agriculture and low industrial differentiation. 3. The spatial connectivity network is clustered, with overall connectivity but a lack of internal coherence, forming a hierarchical network constrained by geography. 4. The spatial connectivity is relatively unstable, highly vulnerable, and exhibits a clear core-periphery structure, where geographical proximity determines basic connections and functional uniqueness drives value-added connections. 5. The overall development potential of these villages is assessed as medium to low. Enhancing network connectivity can foster comprehensive development, and adjusting spatial connectivity could improve its development potential. The study proposes a two-tiered optimization strategy based on the intrinsic connectivity and development characteristics of these villages, providing insights into the development of traditional villages in other regions and cultural heritage areas worldwide.

Keywords: traditional village agglomeration area; spatial connectivity; industry characteristics; development potential; Qiandongnan Prefecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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