Mapping Spiritual Landscapes: Multisacle Characteristics Analysis of Temples in Ancient Chongqing

The conservation and transmission of cultural heritage are enduring drivers of sustainable development. As a significant form of cultural heritage, temples play a vital role in maintaining urban historical continuity and embodying local culture. This study investigated the landscape roles of temples within the ancient city of Chongqing. Drawing primarily on sources such as the Chongqing Fuzhi Quantu (Complete Map of Chongqing Prefecture) from the Qing Dynasty, it identifies 79 temples in historical Chongqing. Employing Historical Geographic Information Systems (HGIS), the study reveals the multi-scale distribution characteristics of these temples and their interaction mechanisms with the urban spatial structure. The findings indicate that: 1) The development of Chongqings temples is closely linked to the stratification process of urban historical landscapes, serving as historical markers reflecting urban culture; 2) The distribution of temples in Qing-dynasty Chongqing exhibited significant correlations with the mountain-river environment and topography, forming clusters at key urban nodes while demonstrating spatial differentiation based on their attributes; 3) the landscape roles of temples in the ancient Chongqing city by guiding the urban landscape order, shaping city landmarks, and anchoring collective memories. Through the interrelated interactions across multiscalar spaces, they collectively shaped the urban imagery. In response to problems such as the fragmentation of temple conservation and cultural discontinuity, the study proposes conservation and development strategies across three dimensions: regional-urban-architectural to support the revitalisation and sustainable development of urban cultural heritage.