Research on the temporal and spatial evolution and protection significance of traditional villages in the Wanjiang River Basin of China

This study regards the Wanjiang River Basin as an integrated geographical and cultural unit to explore the nonlinear evolution of traditional villages. Utilizing six batches of national designation data (2012–2023), we employ spatial analysis and correlation analysis to examine spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors. The results reveal three key findings. First, villages exhibit a “large dispersion, small aggregation” pattern, with persistent core areas forming at the junction of Xuancheng and Huangshan cities since the pre-Song period. Second, The sites of traditional villages are mainly located in plain areas and concentrated in areas with gentle slopes, and the slopes are oriented towards the south with sunny slopes, and have the characteristics of being close to water. Third, a significant negative correlation exists between village density and socioeconomic development, indicating modern “socioeconomic filtering.” These findings reveal a dual evolutionary mechanism—historical path dependence anchored by natural suitability, and contemporary filtering by development pressure—offering a spatial basis for priority protection zones and differentiated revitalization strategies in similar watersheds.