Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Sustainable Inheritance Strategies of National Traditional Fine Arts Intangible Cultural Heritage in China

Abstract

A total of 417 intangible cultural heritage objects (ICHOs) are intertwined with traditional Chinese art, showcasing China’s rich historical heritage and distinctive creative allure. However, ICHOs currently grapple with a significant succession quandary due to modernization endeavors and the impacts of globalization. Hence, this study scrutinizes the spatial distribution of ICHO projects and inheritors and examines methodologies for inheriting these 417 ICHOs, employing approaches such as the closest neighbor index, Moran’s I index, kernel density estimation, geographic concentration analysis, and imbalance index assessment. Research indicates that ICHOs exhibit a spatial aggregation pattern, yet there is no substantial spatial correlation observed in their distribution. The national distribution highlights two core density zones: Beijing and Shanghai. In China, ICHO programs display uneven distribution across various types, levels, regions, and cultural zones. Regarding the ethnic composition of projects and inheritors, ICHO projects predominantly focus on the Han ethnic group, with a scattering of minority representations. Minority ICHO projects and inheritors are concentrated in central and eastern areas, while Han ICHO projects and inheritors are concentrated in central and western regions. Among the 148 ICHO projects lacking inheritors, 203 have one inheritor, and only 66 have several inheritors. Shanghai serves as the core density zone for 269 ICHO projects with inheritors, while Beijing holds that status for 148 ICHO projects without inheritors. Out of the 148 ICHO projects lacking inheritors, 115 belong to the Han ethnic group, with 33 split among 16 different ethnic minorities, and 2 have no inheritors. These disparities underscore the uneven distribution of ICHO projects and the critical issue of inheritance. This study identified education, tourism, digital communication, incentivizing inheritors, and international cooperation as potential strategies for preserving ICHA. Moreover, a sustainable inheritance pathway integrating government, education, tourism, and media is imperative for the effective perpetuation of ICHOs’ legacy.