This study examined the decline of traditional villages due to urbanization, focusing on their spatial patterns and architectural characteristics in China, particularly in the Guanzhong region. Using ArcGIS tools, kernel density and nearest-neighbor analyses quantitatively assessed the spatial distribution of these villages at macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, 3D laser scanning was employed to qualitatively analyze architectural features. The study demonstrated that (1) traditional villages are unevenly clustered nationwide, primarily in the southeast and southwest, creating a “three cores and multiple points” spatial pattern. (2) In the Guanzhong region, traditional village distribution also shows clustering with diverse patterns, including regiment, belt, and point formations. Higher densities are found in the eastern and northern regions, while the west and south are sparsely populated. Most villages are located at altitudes of 501–700 m, on slopes of 6–15°, and near water sources. (3) The basic residential structures in Guanzhong included the single, vertical multi-entry, and horizontal coupled courtyards, as well as the vertical and horizontal interleaved layouts; these buildings typically featured the foundations and walls made of earth, stone, and brick, combined with various wooden frames and single- or double-sloped roofs. This study overcomes the limitations of the traditional literature and field surveys by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the spatial patterns of traditional villages and the architectural forms of residential buildings from an architectural perspective. It graphically presents the data to provide an efficient and practical theoretical basis for the heritage preservation and development of traditional villages.

Traditional villages represent vital living heritage in China. We develop a multi-scale eco-coupling framework integrating GIS spatial analysis and 3D laser scanning to analyze the natural and social environment, spatial patterns, and architectural forms across macro–meso–micro levels in traditional villages of southern Shaanxi, and use partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized cross-scale pathways. The results show significant spatial clustering, mainly in the water-adjacent low-mountain valleys and under moderate gradients of GDP, population density, and road density. The morphology is classified as clustered, linear, or scatter shaped, while buildings are dominated by courtyard, patio, and single-row layouts with timber structures, rammed earth or stone walls, and double-pitched roofs. After reliability and validity checks, the PLS-SEM confirms significant macro–meso–micro pathways, with the meso scale as a key mediator. Overall, the study reveals that persistence depends on long-term coupling among multi-scale factors, providing theoretical and methodological support for conservation and sustainable development.

The sustainability of traditional vernacular dwelling heritage has become an important academic concern. This study takes the traditional vernacular dwellings of the Ancient City of Pingyao as its research object and develops a macro–meso–micro multi-scale analytical framework. Drawing on four dimensions—environment, layout, architecture, and culture—it systematically investigates the geographical environment, spatial pattern, and architectural forms of Pingyao’s traditional vernacular dwellings using GIS spatial analysis, UAV oblique photogrammetry, and 3D laser scanning technologies. On this basis, an AHP–FCE comprehensive evaluation model is introduced to assess their sustainability. The results indicate that the formation and persistence of these dwellings are closely associated with favourable natural environmental conditions, a clear and orderly spatial pattern, and well-structured courtyard and architectural forms. The comprehensive evaluation yields a score of F = 3.23, indicating a moderately high level of sustainability. The four criterion layers are ranked as follows: architecture, layout, environment, and culture. The key determinants are structural safety, material authenticity, spatial integrity, and the continuity of traditional character. By combining multi-scale analysis with comprehensive evaluation, this study aims to clarify the priority directions for the conservation of traditional vernacular dwelling heritage in the Ancient City of Pingyao, thereby providing a scientific basis for its sustainable development.