Spatial Differentiation and Determinants of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chongqing

Abstract

This study examines the spatial differentiation patterns and formation mechanisms of intangible cultural heritage in Chongqing within a cultural geography framework by integrating Geographic Information System spatial analysis and the geographic detector model. Focusing on a mountainous urban context, the research quantitatively assesses the combined effects of natural environmental constraints and socioeconomic drivers on the spatial distribution of ICH. The results indicate that Chongqing’s ICH displays a clear core–periphery structure shaped by the interaction between cultural ecological adaptation and regional development dynamics. Spatially, a “one core, two wings” pattern is identified, in which the main urban area functions as a highly concentrated core, while northeastern and southeastern Chongqing form two distinct cultural zones with differentiated heritage characteristics. Significant heterogeneity is observed in the clustering patterns of different ICH categories, suggesting varying sensitivities to environmental and socioeconomic conditions. Factor detection results show that total retail sales of consumer goods constitute the most influential socioeconomic determinant of ICH distribution, whereas average digital elevation model elevation represents a key natural constraint in mountainous terrain. Interaction analysis further reveals pronounced nonlinear enhancement effects, particularly between economic development level and government support, indicating that institutional and economic forces jointly intensify spatial differentiation processes. By elucidating the dominant drivers and interaction mechanisms underlying ICH spatial patterns, this study advances the understanding of cultural space evolution in mountainous cities. Methodologically, it demonstrates the applicability of combining GIS-based spatial analysis with geographic detector techniques in cultural heritage research, while practically providing quantitative evidence to support culturally sensitive spatial planning and targeted conservation strategies in complex urban-mountain environments.