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Study on the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage Along the Great Wall of Hebei Province

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  • Yu Chen

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
    China Great Wall Culture Research & Communication Center, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Jingwen Zhao

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Xinyi Zhao

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Zeyi Wang

    (School of Public Administration, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Zhe Xu

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Shilin Li

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

  • Weishang Liu

    (School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China)

Abstract

The development of the Great Wall National Cultural Park has unleashed the potential for integrating cultural and tourism development along the Great Wall. However, ICH along the Great Wall, a key part of its cultural identity, suffers from low recognition and a mismatch between protection and development efforts. This study analyzes provincial-level and above ICH along Hebei’s Great Wall using geospatial tools and the Geographical Detector model to explore distribution patterns and influencing factors, while Geographically Weighted Regression is utilized to reveal spatial heterogeneity. It tests two hypotheses: (H1) ICH shows a clustered pattern; (H2) economic factors have a greater impact than cultural and natural factors. Key findings show: (1) ICH distribution is numerically balanced north–south but spatially uneven, with dense clusters in the south and scattered patterns in the north. (2) ICH and crafts cluster significantly, while dramatic balladry spreads evenly, and other categories are random. (3) Average annual temperature and precipitation have the greatest impact on ICH distribution, with the factors ranked as: natural > cultural > economic. Multidimensional interactions show significant enhancement effects. (4) Influencing factors vary spatially. Population density, transport, temperature, and traditional villages are positively related to ICH. Elevation, precipitation, tourism, and cultural institutions show mixed effects across regions. These insights support targeted ICH conservation and sustainable development in the Great Wall cultural corridor.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Chen & Jingwen Zhao & Xinyi Zhao & Zeyi Wang & Zhe Xu & Shilin Li & Weishang Liu, 2025. "Study on the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage Along the Great Wall of Hebei Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6962-:d:1714453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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