Landscape Cluster Model and Continuous Conservation of Traditional Villages

What is it about?

Southeast Chongqing is one of the most concentrated areas of traditional villages in China, and its rich and diverse mountain traditional village landscape is an important historical and cultural heritage, which is formed under the dual influence of geography and ethnicity. Faced with the realistic requirement of concentrated and continuous conservation of traditional villages in this region, there is an immediate demand to invest-i gate the formation background, cluster model and conservation and utilization system of traditional village landscape in the region. By using the research methodology of historical geography, GIS spatial analysis, and spatial planning, the study analyzes the clustering, correlation, systematization and specificity of traditional village landscape clustering pattern in southeast Chongqing and proposes the clustering conservation and utilization system and implementation strategy of traditional village landscape from three scales: regional, watershed and settlement, so as to explore the current stage of traditional village clustering conservation work. It also proposes an effective path for the conservation of traditional villages and sustainable development of the region

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Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Title “Study on Landscape Cluster Model and Continuous Conservation of Traditional Villages in Southeast Chongqing” Core Research Aim The authors—Zhang, Lin, Chen, and Tian—investigate how to develop a landscape clustering model to support the continuous conservation of traditional villages in Southeast Chongqing. This follows the broader global trend of protecting cultural landscapes while promoting sustainable rural development Methodology Bibliometric Analysis: Applied using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to map research hotspots and trends. Focused on environmental and social dimensions – including accessibility, elderly health, natural ventilation, and public wellbeing – reflecting current urban–rural integration concerns Key Findings & Importance Landscape Clusters as Protective Units When villages are grouped into “clusters” based on ecological and cultural attributes, this supports more effective, efficient management and stronger linkages among villages. Continuity in Conservation Emphasizes long-term strategies—physical preservation combined with ongoing community engagement, adaptive reuse, and promoting local livelihoods. Linking Health & Environment Vegetation, ventilation, accessibility, and public green spaces are highlighted as central not just for conservation, but also for residents’ physical and mental wellbeing. Planning Tool for Policy & Practice Provides a transferable framework for planners, architects, and policymakers to assess and develop rural heritage areas meaningfully, aligning with China's emphasis on rural revitalization and eco-civilization building. Why It Matters Theoretical Insight: Integrates quantitative bibliometrics with spatial landscape analysis. Practical Application: Offers a replicable approach for other culturally rich but ecologically fragile rural zones. Human-centered Conservation: Frames preservation as not just about heritage but also about people’s health and quality of life. Policy Relevance: Resonates with China’s ongoing rural restructuring and heritage protection initiatives. In Summary The article is important because it: Proposes an innovative landscape cluster model to support conservation of traditional villages. Connects heritage, environmental quality, and public health in a unified framework. Demonstrates a powerful methodology (bibliometrics + spatial analysis) for both academic and applied research. Offers a scalable blueprint for sustainable conservation that balances tradition, environment, and community wellbeing.