Spatial Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Traditional Villages Distribution in the Yellow River Basin

Wulantuoya Bao () and Yangxuan Liu
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Wulantuoya Bao: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Economics and Management, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
Yangxuan Liu: Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-29

Abstract: Traditional villages in the Yellow River Basin of China are vital carriers of cultural heritage, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic development. This study employs spatial econometric analysis to examine the distribution patterns and influencing factors of 888 traditional villages in the region. The findings reveal a clustering pattern, with high-density areas in Shanxi and medium-density clusters in Shaanxi and Qinghai, while northern and southern regions remain sparse. Over time, the spatial center of village distribution has shifted along a north–south–north–east–west trajectory. The spatial distribution of traditional villages exhibits distinct regional characteristics and differences, shaped by several key influencing factors. These include elevation, precipitation, river proximity, road density, and the presence of cultural heritage units. Results show that in the upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, natural factors primarily determine village locations. In contrast, economic development and infrastructure factors play a larger role in shaping village transformation in the middle and lower reaches. Policy interventions, such as cultural heritage protection, have a greater impact on remote upper areas. The influence of these factors varies spatially, highlighting the importance of region-specific conservation strategies. Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted strategies for the conservation and development of traditional villages, including multi-type protection systems, cultural corridor construction, watershed-based governance, and enhanced infrastructure and policy support. These strategies aim to support the sustainable development and long-term preservation of traditional villages in the Yellow River Basin. By integrating geographic, economic, and cultural perspectives, this research provides valuable insights into the spatial evolution of traditional villages and informs policy recommendations for achieving balanced rural development.

Keywords: traditional villages; Yellow River Basin; rural revitalization; cultural heritage conservation; spatial distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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