Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) reflects a region’s history and culture, serving as a significant indicator of regional identity and cohesion. The Grand Canal Basin in China is rich in historical traditions, containing a rich array of ICH resources. Analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of ICH within the Grand Canal Basin of China can provide a scientific basis for developing cultural industries and promoting sustainable regional economic growth. This study employed GIS-based spatial analysis methods, including kernel density estimation, the mean nearest neighbor index, and standard deviation ellipse, to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of 504 national-level ICH items (including extensions) in the Grand Canal Basin of China. The results demonstrate the significant spatial clustering of ICH, with concentrations in high-density regions, particularly at the northern and southern ends of the canal. There is significant regional disparity in the distribution of ICH, with an uneven quantity and structure, predominantly featuring traditional skills and traditional drama categories. The average centroid shift of ICH exhibits a north-to-south oscillatory trajectory. However, overall, it demonstrates a southward-moving trend. This study also underscores the impacts of urbanization, population density, economic development, and transportation infrastructure on ICH distribution. Among these factors, urbanization exerts the strongest influence on the spatial distribution of ICH. The impact of the natural environment is relatively minor; however, it remains a significant element that cannot be overlooked during development. This research offers valuable data and insights for local governments and institutions to formulate evidence-based strategies for the protection and sustainable utilization of ICH resources, promoting sustainable cultural and economic development in the Grand Canal Basin.
As urbanization accelerates, the increasing density of urban buildings and the prevalence of multi-unit high-rise residential areas have emerged as significant factors affecting residents’ comfort. Effective green space planning within residential areas can mitigate residents’ thermal discomfort. This study utilizes methods including the construction of two-dimensional and three-dimensional landscape indices and meteorological data simulation to examine the relationship between residents’ comfort levels at various heights in residential buildings and the 3D landscape patterns of residential areas, based on semantic three-dimensional grid data from a residential complex in Wuhan. The results indicate that (1) The characteristics of 3D landscape patterns vary across different regions within multi-unit high-rise residential areas. The landscape patches in the central and southern regions are more balanced compared to other areas, while there is minimal height variation in residential buildings in the northeastern region. (2) There are notable differences in comfort levels at varying heights across different areas of the residential district. In summer, residents expressing satisfaction with environmental comfort are primarily located in high-rise buildings in the central-southern region, whereas in winter, satisfaction is concentrated among residents in lower and mid-rise buildings in both the northern center and southern areas. (3) The degree of landscape fragmentation, the dominance of certain patches, and the distribution of buildings and vegetation at different heights significantly influence residents’ comfort. Achieving a balanced distribution of green spaces, reducing building density, and ensuring a uniform arrangement of trees of varied heights can effectively enhance the living environment for residents on lower floors, providing practical strategies for the planning of green spaces and built environments that improve overall resident quality of life. This research provides a theoretical foundation and reference for evaluating thermal comfort in high-rise residential areas and optimizing green space configurations.
The Grand Canal Basin contains exceptionally rich historical and cultural heritage, and understanding the spatial distribution patterns and determinants of this heritage can provide a scientific basis for conservation and sustainable development. This study aims to reveal the spatiotemporal synergy and dislocation–coupling relationship between immovable and intangible cultural heritage in the Grand Canal Basin, and to provide a scientific basis for the emergency management of cultural heritage and the integrated protection of Grand Canal culture. The results indicate that both heritage categories generally exhibit “coaxial agglomeration with local differentiation” in the Grand Canal Basin; although their spatial distributions differ, they co-exist geographically and complement each other functionally, forming a dislocation–coupling system that links “historical space–modern space” and “material carriers–living practices.” These findings provide theoretical support for integrated conservation and the activation-oriented safeguarding and inheritance of cultural heritage in the Grand Canal Basin.
With accelerated urbanization and the pursuit of the “dual carbon” goals, shared bicycles have re-emerged as a green travel option. This study focuses on the central urban area of Nanjing and develops a carbon emissions reduction (CER) estimation model for shared bicycles. By analyzing spatio-temporal dimensions, it systematically assesses carbon reduction benefits and highlights the synergy with metro-connected travel. Key findings are as follows: (1) shared bicycles primarily support short-distance commuting, with a daily cycling pattern exhibiting a bi-modal distribution and a pronounced peak period demand; (2) cycling trips concentrate in densely populated and commercially vibrant zones, with a spatial pattern of central aggregation and multi-point diffusion; (3) each kilometer cycled by a shared bicycle reduces carbon emissions by about 96.19 g, with daily reductions of around 42.72 t and annual reductions up to 15,591.04 t; (4) the CER benefits of bicycle–metro integration are especially pronounced, contributing nearly 45.00% during peak periods; and (5) factors such as travel mode shifts, metro station layouts, and the development of electric vehicles continue to influence the CER benefits of shared bicycles. This work provides scientific evidence to inform urban green travel policies and transportation infrastructure optimization in cities.
15 April 2026 in Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy