Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of A-Level Garden-Type Scenic Areas in Jiangsu Province, China

Garden-type scenic areas, as integrated carriers of cultural and natural resources, not only reflect the regional socio-economic development level but also embody the historical process of interaction between human cultural activities and the natural environment. As a major economic and cultural province in eastern China, Jiangsu features A-level garden-type scenic areas that are representative in terms of quantity, quality, and typology. This study constructs an analytical indicator system for assessing the spatial distribution patterns of garden-type scenic areas. Using GIS-based methods such as kernel density estimation, nearest neighbor index, and the geographic detector model, it systematically investigates the spatial characteristics of A-level garden-type scenic areas in Jiangsu Province. The results show a significant spatial clustering pattern, with high-density clusters mainly located in southern Jiangsu and around economically developed cities. Further exploration of influencing factors reveals that natural resource endowments, economic development levels, transportation accessibility, historical and cultural heritage, and policy support are the main determinants shaping the distribution patterns. The findings offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for optimizing garden-type scenic areas planning and promoting coordinated regional tourism development in Jiangsu.