Tracing the historical development and spatial distribution of Buddhist temples in Xiamen, China

作者：Junjie Fu, Qingyang Li, Weishuai Xie, Huasong Mao, Changyu Zhang · 发表于：npj Heritage Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1038/s40494-025-01857-x · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Religious Tourism and Spaces、Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation、Chinese history and philosophy

The spatial development of Buddhist temples in Xiamen reflects a complex interplay of geostrategic needs, commercial expansion, and cultural synergies, yet a comprehensive understanding of the multi-scalar drivers shaping their distribution remains underexplored. This study decodes the spatiotemporal evolution of Buddhist temples in Xiamen through a GIS-integrated framework that synthesises environmental variables and socio-cultural dynamics. Analysis reveals temple numbers increased gradually since the Sui–Tang period (581–907), peaking during the Ming–Qing eras (1368–1912), with distribution centres shifting southward alongside historical urbanisation patterns. Spatial patterns demonstrate adaptive responses to ecological constraints, favouring low-elevation zones, south/southwest slopes, and geologically stable areas. Temples strategically clustered near transportation arteries as cultural-logistical nexuses mediating trade and urban growth. Theoretically, this reveals recursive interactions between anthropogenic spatial production and ecological systems. Practically, it provides evidence-based conservation strategies for vulnerable or culturally significant zones, aligning with UNESCO’s interdisciplinary heritage governance goals.