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Landscape Zoning Strategies for Small Mountainous Towns: Insights from Yuqian Town in China

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  • Qingwei Tian

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
    Qingwei Tian and Yi Xu are co-first authors.)

  • Yi Xu

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
    Qingwei Tian and Yi Xu are co-first authors.)

  • Shaojun Yan

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Yizhou Tao

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Xiaohua Wu

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Bifan Cai

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

Abstract

Small towns in mountainous regions face significant challenges in formulating effective landscape zoning strategies due to pronounced landscape fragmentation, which is driven by both the dominance of large-scale forest resources and the lack of coordination between administrative planning departments. To tackle this problem, this study focused on Yuqian, a quintessential small mountainous town in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The town’s layout was divided into a grid network measuring 70 m × 70 m. A two-step cluster process was employed using ArcGIS and SPSS software to analyze five landscape variables: altitude, slope, land use, heritage density, and visual visibility. Further, eCognition software’s semi-automated segmentation technique, complemented by manual adjustments, helped delineate landscape character types and areas. The overlay analysis integrated these areas with administrative village units, identifying four landscape character types across 35 character areas, which were recategorized into four planning and management zones: urban comprehensive service areas, agricultural and cultural tourism development areas, industrial development growth areas, and mountain forest ecological conservation areas. This result optimizes the current zoning types. These zones closely match governmental sustainable development zoning requirements. Based on these findings, we propose integrated landscape management and conservation strategies, including the cautious expansion of urban areas, leveraging agricultural and cultural tourism, ensuring industrial activities do not impact the natural and village environment adversely, and prioritizing ecological conservation in sensitive areas. This approach integrates spatial and administrative dimensions to enhance landscape connectivity and resource sustainability, providing key guidance for small town development in mountainous regions with unique environmental and cultural contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Qingwei Tian & Yi Xu & Shaojun Yan & Yizhou Tao & Xiaohua Wu & Bifan Cai, 2025. "Landscape Zoning Strategies for Small Mountainous Towns: Insights from Yuqian Town in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6919-:d:1713287
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    References listed on IDEAS

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