Integrating subjective assessment, statistical analysis, and digital survey for hollow Village revitalization: a case study of Wulong Ancient Fishing Village

Over the past 30 years, China’s ancient villages have faced challenges such as loss of intangible cultural heritage, over-tourism, abandonment, material heritage decline, and social network disintegration due to depopulation. This study adopts a Research-through-Design methodology combining literature review, field surveys, expert interviews, and advanced spatial analysis. Using Wulong Ancient Fishing Village in Yunnan Province as a case study, it develops a closed-loop evaluation – design – validation framework integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process, space syntax, GIS terrain analysis, environmental simulations , and translational design methods to build a comprehensive system for revitalizing “hollow villages.”The system refines case-specific indicators, assigns weights, and identifies key factors for renewing regional cultural heritage and traditional “Yikeyin” clusters. High-weight indicators determine renewal priorities, aligning design strategies with digital analyses of texture infill, network accessibility, and wind adaptability, facilitating revitalization of social networks. Results show this model revitalizes villages, reconnects historical memory with modern life, and strengthens rural-urban cultural ties. It also enhances local cultural identity and enriches urban residents’ experience of ethnic and regional traditions. This research offers theoretical support for heritage conservation and practical guidance for revitalizing historic villages amid urban expansion.