Distribution of rural tourism development in geographical space: a case study of 323 traditional villages in Shaanxi, China

Abstract

Spatial distribution of traditional village is the key factor for the sustainable development of rural tourism. Analyzing distribution characteristics and development conditions of traditional villages have profound implications for rural revitalization and all-for-one tourism. Firstly, this research introduced the characteristics and historic value of traditional villages in each region of Shaanxi province. Secondly, this paper analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of 323 provincial-level traditional villages by using the method of quantitative geography through geographic information systems (GIS). Then, according to spatial type division, this research divided the spatial distribution of rural tourism in Shaanxi province into five areas, including linear tourist area, facial health area, distributed leisure area, low-density scenic area, self-driving tourist area. Finally, this paper summarized the development conditions of rural tourism in Shaanxi’s traditional villages and took case studies. The natural environment, social economy, and historical culture are crucial conditions for the sustainable development of traditional villages, influencing the spatial distribution of these villages. This paper summarized the spatial distribution of rural tourism development and proposed a guide for future space planning and construction for all-for-one tourism in other areas through empirical research on spatial distribution. Meanwhile, this research provides new ideas for rural revitalization.

Keywords

• rural tourism
• traditional village
• spatial distribution
• development condition