Heritage spatial connections and spatial patterns of Huizhou traditional villages

Conservation and utilization for traditional villages have shifted from individual-village to integrated regional planning. However, insufficient understanding of the spatial heritage connections among traditional villages has resulted in ambiguous cluster delineation and unclear spatial patterns, hindering concentrated and contiguous conservation. Thus, in this work, social network analysis was used to systematically investigate the heritage spatial relationships and spatial patterns of Huizhou traditional villages at the overall, meso, and individual levels. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the spatial connections of Huizhou traditional village heritage exhibit networked characteristics, with a well-structured overall network. Hierarchical and differentiated patterns were found in the heritage network, forming a multi-level, multi-category, and multi-form spatial system. Our work provides a valuable scientific basis for implementing zoned, graded, and categorized protection and utilization of traditional village heritage, ensuring the integrity, continuity, and diversity of cultural heritage.