Spatial Research and Digital Analysis of the Ancient Post Station and City Tower in Linqiong along the Southwest Silk Road

HRMARS - This study focuses on two core analytical units of Linqiong—a pivotal node along the Southwest Silk Road: its ancient post station and city gate tower. Employing digital methodologies, it reconstructs their historical spatial structures to explore innovative approaches for preserving and revitalizing linear cultural heritage. From a historical geographical perspective, the research examines Linqiong's central role in the Silk Road network, integrating textual evidence with field investigations to investigate how natural environments, topography, and transportation routes influenced its site selection and planning. It also analyzes how architectural conventions and regional cultural characteristics from the Song to Yuan dynasties shaped the spatial configurations of these architectural complexes. Building upon this foundation, a three-dimensional virtual reconstruction model incorporating multi-source data was developed, with spatial syntax analysis employed to validate its reliability. The study demonstrates that this approach effectively addresses display limitations caused by insufficient physical remains, provides visual support for interpreting and transforming cultural heritage values, facilitates a shift from static preservation to dynamic presentation, and holds significant practical reference value and potential for broader application.