Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Driving Factors in the Distribution of Cultural Heritage Sites: A Multi-Period GIS–Geodetector Analysis of Zhejiang Province, China

The spatiotemporal distribution of cultural heritage sites reflects long-term human–environment interactions. Using Zhejiang Province as a case study, this study integrates GIS-based spatial analysis with the Geodetector model to investigate the spatiotemporal differentiation of heritage distribution and the changing influence and interaction of natural and social environmental factors across historical periods. The results reveal pronounced spatial clustering and a gradual expansion of heritage sites from the northern coastal region toward central and southeastern Zhejiang, with particularly dense distributions during the Ming and Qing dynasties and persistent associations with low-elevation plains and water networks. The relative importance and interaction of natural and social factors varied over time, with broadly comparable contributions during the Ming dynasty and stronger socioeconomic–environmental interactions during the Qing dynasty, while water-network density remained influential in both periods. These findings improve understanding of the historical evolution of human–environment relationships and provide a spatial basis for interpreting heritage distribution and supporting sustainable heritage management.