Landscape Zoning Strategies for Small Mountainous Towns: Insights from Yuqian Town in China

A novel landscape zoning strategy for small mountainous towns, exemplified by Yuqian Town in Hangzhou, China, optimizes sustainable development by integrating spatial and administrative dimensions. The study identified four key zones—urban comprehensive service areas, agricultural and cultural tourism development areas, industrial growth areas, and mountain forest ecological conservation areas—using advanced geospatial analysis techniques such as ArcGIS, SPSS, and eCognition software. These zones address landscape fragmentation caused by large-scale forest resources and administrative planning gaps, aligning with governmental sustainable development requirements. The approach enhances landscape connectivity and resource sustainability while minimizing adverse impacts on natural and village environments. This research provides critical guidance for small town development in mountainous regions with unique environmental and cultural contexts.

Tian, Q., Xu, Y., Yan, S., Tao, Y., Wu, X., & Cai, B. (2025). Landscape Zoning Strategies for Small Mountainous Towns: Insights from Yuqian Town in China. Sustainability, 17(15), 6919. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156919