Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Prehistoric Cultural Heritage Sites in the Liao River Region During the Middle to Late Holocene

The development and prosperity of the prehistoric civilization in the Liao River region were closely related to environmental changes over time. Using data from the Atlas of Chinese Cultural Relics, a spatiotemporal analysis of Neolithic sites in the Liao River region reveals that since the mid‐Holocene, site numbers increased and their distribution shifted southeastward. Most sites occur on flat, open land within 20 km of modern rivers. These spatial and temporal patterns were influenced by coastline evolution, climate fluctuations including desertification, and human factors such as subsistence economies and cultural interaction.