A geographic grid-based research on the spatiotemporal network of intangible cultural heritage and its impacting elements: The case of Pearl River Basin, China

This study examines 976 intangible cultural heritage items within the Pearl River Basin. It aims to reveal their static spatial distribution characteristics, dynamic evolution patterns, and influencing factors, laying a foundation for cultural preservation and regional sustainable development in the basin. Employing ArcGIS geographic information systems and methodologies, including Lorenz curves, nearest neighbor indices, kernel density analysis, and geographic concentration indices, the study systematically analyzes the spatial diffusion patterns and dynamic evolution processes of intangible cultural heritage while investigating their influencing factors. Results indicate that at the static distribution level, intangible cultural heritage across categories and provinces exhibits uneven spatial clustering. The basin as a whole forms a spatial structure comprising two cores, two foci, and one trend belt. Among the ten major categories, Guangdong and Fujian rank first in quantity, with the northeastern region serving as the overall distribution core. At the dynamic evolution level, the distribution center first shifted northwestward, then eastward, and finally westward. The number of intangible cultural heritage nominations reached its peak in 2008, with Guangdong Province submitting the highest number of nominations. Regarding influencing factors, intangible cultural heritage tends to be distributed in areas with favorable natural conditions, concentrating in regions with gentle slopes, lower altitudes, and suitable climates, and is not constrained by economic factors. The optimized abstract clearly presents the core research objectives, methodology, key findings, and central conclusions, significantly enhancing structural coherence and readability. We will conduct further verification to ensure precise and concise expression.