Study on the Correlation Between Huizhou Ancient Roads and the Distribution Characteristics of Huizhou Vernacular Architecture

Huizhou Ancient Roads serve as a vital linear heritage carrier for inheriting Huizhou regional culture and supporting rural cultural revitalization. By analyzing the spatial pattern of Huizhou Vernacular Architecture and its correlation with ancient roads, this study provides a scientific basis for the systematic conservation, integrated development and sustainable utilization of Huizhou cultural heritage, as well as the promotion of cultural sustainability. Employing nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, and geographic detector, the results reveal that: (1) The spatial distribution of Huizhou Vernacular Architecture shows significant clustering and imbalance, forming a spatial pattern featuring “one main center, two cores, and extension along roads”, with the most intensive distribution in Shexian and Jixi counties. (2) Ancient road density, settlement density and freight volume are the dominant factors. Ancient road traffic and social culture are the most influential dimensions affecting the spatial distribution of Huizhou Vernacular Architecture. The formation and layout of Vernacular Architecture rely on multi-factor synergy, emphasizing multi-dimensional coupling. (3) Ancient road density and settlement density present the highest spatial variability, while elevation and slope show the lowest spatial variability. Mean elevation, mean slope, ancient road density, settlement density and cultural resources are all positively correlated with the distribution of Vernacular Architecture.