Publications
Spatial Gradient Effects of Landscape Pattern on Ecological Quality Along the Grand Canal
Between 2013 and 2023, landscape patterns along the Grand Canal—designated as both a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and an ecological corridor—showed increased agglomeration and regularity, yet ecological quality slightly declined. The study applied a gradient analysis framework integrating Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) with landscape pattern indices to assess ecological responses across eight canal sections using equidistant buffer zones. Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) revealed that the effects of patch density and Shannon’s Diversity Index on ecological quality varied significantly by urbanization level: positively correlated in highly urbanized areas like the Tonghui River, but negatively correlated in less urbanized regions such as the Huitong River. Additionally, these correlations weakened with increasing buffer distance from the canal. This research provides critical insights for balancing ecological protection and spatial planning along major inland waterways.
An Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Influencing Factors of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Along the Grand Canal of China
A southward shift in the distribution of national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along China's Grand Canal, driven by urbanization and economic development, has been identified. The study reveals significant spatial clustering of ICH, particularly at the northern and southern ends of the canal, with marked regional disparities in quantity and structure, dominated by traditional skills and drama categories. Urbanization emerges as the strongest influencing factor, while natural environmental impacts, though minor, remain relevant. Employing GIS-based spatial analysis techniques—including kernel density estimation, mean nearest neighbor index, and standard deviation ellipse—the research analyzed 504 national ICH items, providing actionable insights for sustainable cultural preservation and economic growth in the Grand Canal Basin.
Analysis of Regional Social–Economic Spatial Pattern and Evolution along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal
A decade-long analysis of socio-economic development along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal reveals fragmented growth patterns, with limited economic agglomeration despite high regional development levels. The study employed a multi-dimensional index—spanning economic growth, livelihood benefits, green ecology, innovation, and food security—to assess disparities using entropy weight, Moran, and Theil indices. While overall social-economic agglomeration increased from 2011 to 2021, cities exhibited distinct developmental trajectories, suggesting opportunities for inter-city learning to foster coordinated progress in this UNESCO-listed cultural corridor.
Canal Heritage Tourism Utilization Models: Experience and Inspirations from the Grand Canal (Beijing Section)
Two distinct models for canal heritage tourism utilization—community concentration and corridor expansion—emerge as key strategies for sustainable development along the Grand Canal (Beijing section). These models differ significantly in their developmental processes, resource dynamics, and spatial organization. The study attributes these differences to driving forces such as location, economic, cultural, ecological factors, and accidental influences, alongside continuous self-adjustment by canal-adjacent areas. Using a figure-ground relationship theory framework, the research integrates literature reviews, field investigations, and in-depth interviews to dissect the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of each model. Findings offer theoretical constructs and policy recommendations for optimizing and sustaining canal heritage development.
Cultural route heritage as mobility narrative: the world heritage inscription of China’s Grand Canal
China's Grand Canal, once a vital link connecting southern rice-growing regions with northern political centers over a millennium ago, has been reimagined as a symbol of cultural heritage and mobility. This study highlights how the 'Dayunhe' section was rediscovered and transformed in value, reflecting China's shift from preserving 'cultural relics' to fostering a broader 'cultural market' tied to leisure and connectivity. The research also explores the Grand Canal's role in national narratives, including its alignment with initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing its significance in binding populations to a shared national story while expanding domestic and international mobility. The analysis combines theoretical frameworks with empirical observations to illustrate how cultural route heritage serves as a narrative of movement and connectivity.
Satellite-Based Water Quality Assessment of the Beijing Section of the Grand Canal: Implications for SDG11.4 Evaluation
A significant improvement in water quality has been observed in the Beijing section of the Grand Canal (BGC) from 2016 to 2022, with the comprehensive trophic level index (TLI) decreasing from 64.7 to 60.3, indicating a shift from light eutrophic conditions toward better water quality. This progress is attributed to reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, as well as environmental policies implemented by Beijing Municipal government. The study utilized remote sensing technology to monitor the BGC's water quality, revealing that 83% of the canal's water met good quality standards by 2022, up from 50% in 2016. These findings provide critical insights for managing and protecting the canal's water resources, while also contributing to the evaluation of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4.
Spatial distribution and pedigree age of intangible cultural heritage along the Grand Canal of China
A spatial mismatch at the city–county level along the Grand Canal of China reveals that the southern endpoint dominates in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items, despite both ends showing advantages. The study, using spatial autocorrelation analysis and an evolution tree model, found a high-high aggregation pattern but also identified 29.82% of counties with low-low aggregation. The spatial center of ICH items shifts from north to south and back over time, influenced by factors like economic development, policy support, and historical events such as wars and canal shipping. This research advances methodological approaches for studying ICH distribution, offering insights into local cultural identity and regional consistency.
The Impact of the Urban Forest Park Recreation Environment and Perceived Satisfaction on Post-Tour Behavioral Intention—Using Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park as an Example
Urban forest parks significantly influence tourists' post-visit behaviors, such as repeat visits and recommendations, by shaping their environmental preferences and perceived satisfaction. The study identifies two key psychological paths: a direct path where the park's recreational environment directly affects behavioral intention, and an indirect path where environmental preference leads to satisfaction, which then stimulates deeper evaluation and positive behavioral intentions. This dual mechanism highlights the importance of enhancing tourists' experience through environmental perception and satisfaction to foster long-term engagement with urban forest parks. The research provides actionable insights for planning and management, emphasizing the role of spatial physical environment, cultural characteristics, and service experiences in shaping tourist behavior.
Using Deep Learning Approaches to Quantify Landscape Preference of the Chinese Grand Canal: An Empirical Case Study of the Yangzhou Ancient Canal
A deep learning approach reveals that the fusion of the Yangzhou Ancient Canal and classical gardens creates a highly preferred landscape, characterized by 'Canal and Watercraft Remains.' Tourists' preferences are reflected in photographic content and element composition patterns, with dense preferences observed in northern sections. This study demonstrates an efficient and scalable method for evaluating landscape preferences along the Chinese Grand Canal, offering valuable insights for strategic planning and conservation efforts.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns of Traditional Opera Culture along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal
A significant clustering of traditional opera stages along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal has been identified, closely tied to the Canal's rise and fall over centuries. This spatial pattern, analyzed through kernel density and standard deviation ellipse methods, reveals that opera stages emerged with the Canal, prospered alongside its development, and eventually formed a band-like distribution mirroring its main southeast-northwest direction. The study also highlights centennial-scale evolution of these stages' centroids, correlating with key phases of Canal construction and expansion. These findings underscore the Grand Canal's profound influence on traditional opera culture, offering insights for the cultural belt's preservation.
Coupling-Coordinated Development of the Water-Economy-Innovation Nexus: A Case Study of the Grand Canal Area in China
A new study reveals that the development of the water-economy-innovation nexus along China's Grand Canal remains underdeveloped with significant regional disparities. While the coupling coordination level is improving, central cities show notably better performance than peripheral areas. Water resources contribute most to this coordination, followed by economic and innovation factors. The research employs an integrated evaluation system and grey correlation analysis, offering critical insights for sustainable development strategies in this historic region.
Cultural communication and diversity along the Grand Canal of China: a case study of folk songs in intangible cultural heritage
Research on the Grand Canal reveals that folk songs along its route exhibit a distinct spatial distribution pattern characterized by 'distribution along the river, two cores and two belts.' This pattern is influenced significantly by natural factors such as water systems and landforms, as well as regional cultural elements. Unlike mountainous areas in western China, the Grand Canal basin's economic development and population mobility contribute to a diversified yet unified musical culture. The study, combining musicology, geography, sociology, and spatial analysis, underscores the importance of integrating folk songs into local social and economic activities for their preservation and development.
Evolution Model, Mechanism, and Performance of Urban Park Green Areas in the Grand Canal of China
A study of urban park green areas (UPGAs) along China's Grand Canal reveals significant spatial heterogeneity and correlation in their spatio-temporal evolution, characterized by diverse development patterns such as high-scale-high-growth (HH), high-scale-low-growth (HL), low-scale-high-growth (LH), and low-scale-low-growth (LL). The research, employing advanced measurement models like BCG matrix, ESDA, MLR, GWR, and GeoDetector, identifies a dominant performance of positive oversupply and equilibrium in UPGA development. Recommendations include zoning strategies for future spatial planning, differentiated construction strategies, and enhanced inter-city cooperation to maximize policy performance. The study also highlights the complex dynamic mechanisms influencing UPGAs, emphasizing the need for interconnected policies to address population, aging, industry, economy, and ecological civilization.
Impact of green space on residents' wellbeing: A case study of the Grand Canal (Hangzhou section)
A successful integration of green development and cultural heritage management can enhance urban residents' well-being, as demonstrated by the renovation of Hangzhou's section of the Grand Canal. This study reveals that balancing environmental sustainability with historical preservation fosters a virtuous cycle, promoting economic growth while maintaining the site's unique cultural significance. Researchers employed a hybrid approach, combining qualitative interviews with 13 residents and quantitative analysis of water quality data from 1998 to 2021. The findings highlight how grassroots governance, such as in Gongshu District, can reconcile modern green development with the preservation of UNESCO-listed heritage, offering a scalable model for mega-cities.
Introduction of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal and analysis of its heritage values
The Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world's longest canal at 1,794 km and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to ancient civil engineering prowess. This study highlights its enduring significance by categorizing its major engineering achievements into four aspects, underscoring its role in shaping China's economic prosperity and social stability for millennia. The canal, predating the Industrial Revolution, remains functional today, linking five major rivers including the Yellow River and Yangtze River. Its heritage value is further emphasized as a monumental civil engineering project that has sustained its utility and impact over centuries.
On conservation of world heritage Beijing-Hangzhou grand canal for enhancing cultural ecosystem services
Green spaces along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal significantly improve water quality and enhance cultural ecosystem services (CES), while urban impervious surfaces contribute to pollution. This study analyzed land use patterns and landscape indices, revealing that green land dominates the canal's buffer zones and effectively mitigates water pollution. Urban areas, however, showed a strong positive correlation with lower water quality. The research also found that public perception of CES—such as cultural heritage and artistic inspiration—is closely tied to water environment quality and riparian greenness. Using content and thematic analysis, the study proposed management strategies to optimize CES while preserving the canal's ecological and cultural values.
Perception in cultural heritage tourism: an analysis of tourists to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, China
Tourists' positive attitudes towards heritage protection significantly influence their preferences for sustainable tourism development along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, according to a study analyzing on-site surveys. The research identifies key factors—heritage attraction, cultural experience, service facilities, and market conditions—that shape these perceptions. Structural equation modeling reveals that while heritage attraction and cultural experience enhance attitudes toward protection, they also directly impact tourists' development preferences. Satisfaction is further positively affected by both attitudes and development preferences. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing management strategies to balance conservation with tourism growth, ensuring the canal's cultural legacy thrives without compromising its integrity.
Research on Climate Change and Water Heritage Tourism Based on the Adaptation Theory—A Case Study of the Grand Canal (Beijing Section)
Climate change significantly impacts water heritage tourism, as demonstrated by a study on the Beijing Section of China's Grand Canal. Between 2012 and 2021, rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns influenced tourism activities along the Canal. The research highlights that both supply-side policies—such as national and municipal climate adaptation strategies—and demand-side factors, like increased tourist interest in water-related experiences, shaped heritage tourism dynamics. Notably, natural-based solutions (NbS) for ecosystem rehabilitation enhanced the Canal's aesthetic appeal while fostering ecological education opportunities. To ensure sustainable development, the study recommends reinforcing ecological restoration efforts, improving water accessibility, and refining tourism planning and heritage interpretation.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism Response in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Basin in China
Research reveals significant spatial and temporal variations in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, with distinct patterns between northern and southern regions. Using advanced geospatial analysis, including kernel density estimation and standard deviation ellipse modeling, the study identified directional trends and shifting centers of gravity for ICH distribution. Key drivers include natural geography, socioeconomic factors, and policy environments, while a strong positive correlation was found between ICH resources and tourism development. This finding underscores the potential for heritage-led tourism planning in the canal basin.
Structural equation model of the spatial distribution of water engineering facilities along the Beijing-Hangzhou grand canal and its relationship with natural factors
Research reveals that the spatial distribution of water engineering facilities along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal during the Ming and Qing dynasties was significantly influenced by natural factors, particularly the main channel slope and slope direction. These factors exhibited a negative correlation with facility placement, while tributary slope and slope direction had indirect effects mediated by watershed area. The study used structural equation modeling to analyze these relationships, providing critical data for heritage protection and cultural corridor development along the canal.
The In-Situ Spatial-Temporal Evolution of the Settlement Space along the Grand Canal Tianjin Section from the Perspective of Cultural Heritage
Research reveals the spatial-temporal evolution of settlement space along the Tianjin section of China's Grand Canal, identifying five distinct periods characterized by unique cultural relics and settlement patterns. These include the pre-canal period, rudimentary period, development period, mature period, and transformation period. The study employs Historical GIS analysis, kernel density estimation, and average nearest-neighbor methods to quantitatively assess these changes from a cultural heritage perspective. Key influencing factors such as natural geography, grain transportation projects, agricultural policies, economic growth, and migration are found to shape the evolution of settlements along the canal. This work underscores the urgency of protecting and updating these culturally significant areas amid rapid urbanization.
Ecological function regionalization of the core area of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal based on the leading ecological function perspective
A new method for ecological function regionalization (EFR) using the Leading Ecological Function (LEF) index has been developed, offering a more precise and practical approach to identifying dominant ecosystem services. Applied to the Core Area of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (CA-BHGC), this study found that biodiversity maintenance, food production, and water retention are the primary ecological functions, with grid proportions of 51.64%, 41.04%, and 6.93% respectively. The LEF index, calculated using the Maximum Value Composite (MVC) method, effectively represents the advantageous ecological functions of grid pixels, contributing over 50% to the comprehensive ecological function value in most cases. This approach enhances spatial guidance for ecological management, showing strong correlation with natural geographical environments and aiding in conflict resolution among economic development, ecological protection, and cross-administrative regions.
Exploring the cultural heritage space adaptability of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal based on point of interest data
Research reveals that the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal's adaptability to urban development varies significantly, shaped by its spatial relationship with city centers. Cities along the canal exhibit differing degrees of historical continuity and role differentiation based on proximity to the waterway. The study leverages point of interest (POI) data from 22 cities, analyzed using Python, ArcGIS, and R, to assess agglomeration, dependence, and diversity in urban-canal interactions. Findings indicate that as cities expand, the canal's influence shifts, often decentralizing urban centers. This work offers critical insights for heritage conservation, urban planning, and methodological approaches to studying linear cultural landscapes.
Habitat Quality Assessment and Ecological Risks Prediction: An Analysis in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Suzhou Section)
Urbanization along the Suzhou section of China's historic Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is significantly degrading habitat quality and increasing ecological risks, according to a new study. Researchers found that natural lands with high habitat quality—such as wetlands, forests, and lakes—have declined sharply, while construction areas like roads and buildings have expanded, reflecting broader urban development trends. The study also identified vulnerable zones where narrow buffer areas between land types expose high-quality habitats to pollution and flooding risks, particularly in downstream locations. Using the InVEST suite of open-source models, the research provides a decision-support tool for prioritizing conservation efforts along the canal, with potential applications for ecosystem management worldwide.
In-Site Phenotype of the Settlement Space along China’s Grand Canal Tianjin Section: GIS-sDNA-Based Model Analysis
Research reveals that settlements along China's Grand Canal Tianjin Section exhibit dynamic, multi-causal phenotypes linked to commercial trade and public-service facilities. The study found that industry-dominant settlements demonstrate stronger topological integration and attractiveness in their centers, while the daily movement of citizens closely correlates with the distribution of public services. Using field investigations, space syntax, and GIS analysis, the authors quantified the in-site characteristics of 18 rural settlements, providing new standards for categorization and conservation strategies. This work offers innovative approaches to preserve and renew these culturally significant heritage sites amid rapid urbanization.
Population, Wars, and the Grand Canal in Chinese History
Areas along the Grand Canal in China were densely populated and prone to warfare, with a shifting war hot zone near Beijing–Luoyang–Nanjing. The study quantifies how population density positively correlated with war frequency, while proximity to the canal negatively influenced conflict. A cubic model revealed non-linear relationships between population, wars, and waterway distance over AD752–1910. These findings highlight the canal's dual role in shaping regional stability and sustainability, offering new empirical insights into large-scale infrastructure impacts.
Research on Online Destination Image of Zhenjiang Section of the Grand Canal Based on Network Content Analysis
Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) for the Zhenjiang section of the Grand Canal (ZGC) predominantly emphasize shipping traffic while downplaying its literary and artistic heritage. A network content analysis of WeChat official accounts revealed that cognitive images focus heavily on river courses and water transport, with positive but underrepresented emotional imagery. The study also identified a strong nostalgic characteristic in the ZGC's brand image, suggesting opportunities to enhance promotion around Song Dynasty heritage sites and river-related areas. These findings provide actionable insights for strengthening the ZGC's online presence and brand construction from a supply-side perspective.
Spatial Variation and Its Local Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage Development along the Grand Canal in China
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along China's Grand Canal exhibits significant spatial variation, primarily concentrated at the northern and southern ends. Socioeconomic factors influence ICH distribution, but local geographic environments also play a crucial role in its formation and development. The study employed GIS spatial analysis and geodetector statistical methods to analyze ICH variations across different categories and identify influencing factors. These findings provide valuable insights for systematic regeneration and utilization of ICH resources along the Grand Canal.
The hot spots and frontiers of research on the Grand Canal Culture Belt in China: Literature and academic trends
Research on the Grand Canal Culture Belt in China has shifted significantly from water conservancy to cultural economy, driven by increased scholarly output since 2016. This study, analyzing over 5,700 publications from global and Chinese databases using CiteSpace, identifies key research clusters, collaboration networks, and landmark articles. It highlights the influence of government planning and cultural diversity on this trend while comparing the Grand Canal to other global canals like Venice's and Panama's. Future research should expand multidisciplinary perspectives and translate theoretical findings into practical heritage protection strategies.
An analysis of the spatial evolution and influencing factors of rural settlements along the Shandong section of the Grand Canal of China
Rural settlements along the Shandong section of China's Grand Canal exhibit distinct spatial patterns characterized by 'large dispersion and small concentration' as well as 'small-scale agglomeration,' with settlement scale inversely correlating to their number. Proximity to the canal correlates with more complex settlement shapes, while key influencing factors include agricultural output value, machinery power, irrigation area, grain cultivation extent, and rural residents' per capita income. The study employed quantitative methods such as the gravity center model (CGC), average nearest neighbor analysis (ANN), landscape metrics (LM), and geographic detectors to analyze changes from 1980 to 2018 across 13,000 settlements in 27 counties.
Linking Ecosystem Service and MSPA to Construct Landscape Ecological Network of the Huaiyang Section of the Grand Canal
A significant decline in ecosystem services along the Huaiyang Section of the Grand Canal from 1990 to 2018 highlights the urgent need for ecological restoration and protection. The study, using advanced models like MSPA, minimum cumulative resistance (MCR), and gravity model, identified 12 key ecological source patches totaling 2007.06 km² and mapped a network of 373.84 km of ecological corridors, with optimal widths of 200–400 m. The research also pinpointed 29 critical ecological breakpoints for restoration, emphasizing the severe impact of land-use changes (overlapping at 99% with ecosystem service degradation areas). This work provides a blueprint for optimizing ecological space and formulating protection plans, serving as a model for other sections of the Grand Canal.
Rise and Fall of the Grand Canal in the Ancient Kaifeng City of China: Role of the Grand Canal and Water Supply in Urban and Regional Development
The Grand Canal, a pivotal transportation artery in ancient China, significantly influenced the rise and fall of Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty. Positioned at the canal's center, Kaifeng flourished as a global metropolis, driven by its strategic location that facilitated political, military, and economic exchanges between northern and southern regions. This period, dubbed 'the canal-centered era,' witnessed a transportation revolution, spurring commercial growth, urbanization, and agricultural advancements. However, the shift of the political center southward during the Yuan Dynasty altered the canal's route, diminishing Kaifeng's connectivity value and leading to its gradual decline by the Qing Dynasty. The study highlights the profound impact of water infrastructure on urban and regional development, offering insights relevant to contemporary sustainable development challenges.
Tourism value assessment of linear cultural heritage: the case of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal in China
A new framework for assessing tourism value in linear cultural heritage (LCH) reveals that resource richness is the dominant factor, while natural environment and industrial economy serve as critical external supports. Using the 1800 km-long Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canalas a case study, researchers developed an R–N–I evaluation system combining Delphi method, analytical hierarchy process, and entropy analysis to quantify tourism value across 22 cities along the canal. The findings classify tourism potential into four distinct types: 'high-value imbalance type', 'key breakthrough type', 'comprehensive strengthening type', and 'low-value restriction type'. This approach provides actionable insights for sustainable development and policy-making in LCH tourism, balancing resource utilization with environmental and economic considerations.
Estimation of remote sensing based ecological index along the Grand Canal based on PCA-AHP-TOPSIS methodology
A significant decline followed by improvement in the ecological environment along China's Grand Canal from 2000 to 2019, with northern sections showing unique characteristics distinct from the rest of the canal. This finding comes from a study that developed a Remote Sensing-based Ecological Index (RSEI) using PCA-AHP-TOPSIS methodology, which combines Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The approach quantifies ecological factors such as air temperature, precipitation, PM2.5 concentration, NO2 columns, and NDVI, avoiding subjectivity in traditional multi-factor analysis. The study highlights the need for tailored eco-environmental restoration strategies due to increasing heterogeneity along the canal.
Research on traditional vernacular dwellings in the Li Canal reach of the grand canal
Traditional vernacular dwellings along the Li Canal reach of China's Grand Canal exhibit unique architectural styles shaped by the convergence of northern and southern cultural influences. These structures, spanning Huai’an to Yangzhou, reflect a blend of climatic adaptations, regional customs, and historical interactions between northern and southern China. The study systematically analyzes layout, structural design, and construction techniques, revealing how these dwellings have evolved distinct features while retaining elements from both regions. By comparing geographical nuances in Huai’an and Yangzhou, the research demonstrates that climate, tradition, and cultural exchange are foundational to these architectural adaptations.
The making of the Grand Canal in China: beyond knowledge and power
The inscription of the Grand Canal of China on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 was not a straightforward process dictated solely by state power. Instead, it involved complex negotiations among diverse human and non-human factors, including state authorities, local bureaus, hydraulic projects, archaeological findings, and built environments. This study reveals that the final nomination dossier emerged from compromises among these varied agencies, challenging conventional critiques of World Heritage processes. By employing an actor-network approach, the research highlights a dynamic web of relationships co-produced by competing forces and interests, offering new insights into the interplay between heritage significance and state power.
World Heritage Site inscription and waterfront heritage conservation: evidence from the Grand Canal historic districts in Hangzhou, China
World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China, can significantly enhance heritage conservation and tourism development when paired with a gradualist approach that empowers local communities. The study finds that WHS designation boosts conservation efforts but also poses challenges due to scalar mismatches—discrepancies between global heritage standards and local practices—which can hinder sustainable tourism growth. By analyzing three historic districts, the research demonstrates how inclusive community engagement, rather than top-down authority-driven models, fosters long-term balance between preservation and economic benefits. This approach offers a scalable model for other UNESCO sites facing similar tensions.
Landsenses ecological planning for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal
A novel approach to urban planning, termed 'landsenses ecology,' integrates human sensory experiences into ecological design. This study demonstrates its application for the Xianghe Segment of China's Grand Canal (XSCGC), addressing challenges in incorporating residents' sensory data—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—into sustainable development. By leveraging mixed-marching data and IoT technologies, the research bridges traditional urban planning gaps, which often overlook environmental quality and human welfare. The framework aims to enhance ecological planning by systematically analyzing both natural and human factors, offering a blueprint for future urban forms that prioritize sensory-rich environments.
Promoting ecosystem services through ecological planning in the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal
Ecological planning can significantly enhance ecosystem services (ES) and revitalize historic landscapes, as demonstrated by a 67% increase in ES following its implementation along the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a vital transportation artery, now suffers from degraded water quality due to wastewater disposal. The study applied modern ecological theory to redesign the waterfront landscape, establish wetlands, and improve environmental governance, shifting the dominance of ES from regulating and supporting services to cultural and regulating ones. These measures not only restored historic landscapes but also provided a framework for sustainable heritage management, offering a practical model for balancing ecological renewal with cultural preservation.
Urbanization Impairs Surface Water Quality: Eutrophication and Metal Stress in the Grand Canal of China
Rapid urbanization significantly degrades surface water quality along the Grand Canal of China, with urban sections showing elevated levels of eutrophic nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as metals that, while within national standards, may still pose risks to aquatic life according to stricter U.S. EPA criteria. The study found a strong correlation between urbanization levels and water quality parameters, particularly electrical conductivity, nutrients, and metals, with industrial activities contributing to metal loadings. These findings highlight the urgent need for mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable urban development along this historic site.
Animations, Games, and Virtual Reality for the Jing-Hang Grand Canal
A groundbreaking approach to preserving and presenting the Jing-Hang Grand Canal, one of China's most significant cultural heritage sites, has been developed using animations, computer games, and virtual reality (VR). This method leverages advanced computer graphics techniques to create immersive digital experiences that engage both researchers and the public. The study demonstrates how VR can be effectively employed in heritage preservation, building on previous applications such as a real museum in Ename, Belgium, and a virtual Olympics museum. By integrating these technologies, the research offers a novel way to restore and showcase historical sites, enhancing both educational and cultural engagement.
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