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Spatial Pattern of Traditional Villages in Remote Mountainous Areas and Their Development Potential Assessment: The Case of Enshi, China

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  • Fangjie Liu

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Wei Xu

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Qiang Niu

    (School of Urban Design, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China)

Abstract

Remote mountainous areas, due to their unique geographical and climatic environments, have ideal conditions for the preservation of traditional villages. However, economic development is also limited as a result. Rationally utilizing traditional village resources to drive economic development in remote mountainous areas is a key topic in academic research. This paper explores the spatial pattern and spatial evolution mechanisms of traditional villages in Enshi Prefecture by factor analysis and K-means clustering algorithm. It proposes a preliminary method for evaluating the development potential of traditional villages based on influencing factors of their evolution, considering four aspects: (1) Traditional villages in Enshi Prefecture were mainly formed in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. (2) Through the study of the spatial pattern of traditional villages in Enshi Prefecture, water systems, ethnic compositions, road network densities, and national policies have significant impacts. (3) A preliminary assessment of the development potential of traditional villages in Enshi Prefecture shows that there are 25 high-potential villages, 58 medium-potential villages, and 9 low-potential villages. Corresponding construction strategies are proposed for each category. This study revealed the influencing factor of the spatial pattern of traditional villages, underscoring the sustainable development and offering practical guidance for traditional villages in remote mountainous areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Fangjie Liu & Wei Xu & Qiang Niu, 2025. "Spatial Pattern of Traditional Villages in Remote Mountainous Areas and Their Development Potential Assessment: The Case of Enshi, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1138-:d:1580576
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bingliang Li & Yuefeng Lu & Yudi Li & Huaiying Zuo & Ziqi Ding, 2024. "Research on the Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Accessibility of Traditional Villages Based on Geographic Information Systems—A Case Study of Shandong Province, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-25, July.
    2. Bingqian Li & Jun Wang & Yibing Jin, 2022. "Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Traditional Villages and Influence Factors Thereof in Hilly and Gully Areas of Northern Shaanxi," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-29, November.
    3. Haoran Su & Yaowu Wang & Zhen Zhang & Wen Dong, 2022. "Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Traditional Village Distribution in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-26, September.
    4. Rongtian Zhang & Xiaolin Zhang, 2023. "Spatial Pattern Evolution and Driving Mechanism of Rural Settlements in Rapidly Urbanized Areas: A Case Study of Jiangning District in Nanjing City, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, March.
    5. Liu Jin & Zongqi Wang & Xiaohong Chen, 2022. "Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Traditional Villages on the Tibetan Plateau in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-19, October.
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    1. Huakang Guo & Youhai Tang & Jingwen Guo, 2025. "Spatial Heterogeneity of Traditional Villages in Southern Sichuan, China: Insights from GWR and K-Means Clustering," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, September.

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