Spatial patterns and protection strategies for memorial facilities and sites of the War of Resistance in China

Abstract

Memorial facilities and sites (MFASs) of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (the War of Resistance) are a precious cultural heritage that preserves the nation’s collective memory and the history of the war. To elucidate the spatial distribution patterns of China’s MFASs and inform conservation practices, this study focuses on their spatial patterns, influencing factors, and conservation strategies. It utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis methods, including kernel density estimation, average nearest neighbor, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results indicate that: (1) The War of Resistance MFASs exhibit uneven distribution characteristics, with high density in the east and low density in the west. The highest density and hotspot areas are concentrated in North and East China. (2) Significant spatial distribution differences exist among different types of the War of Resistance MFASs, though all exhibit varying degrees of clustering. (3) Key factors influencing the spatial distribution of MFASs include elevation, rivers, campaigns, battles, minor skirmishes, occupied areas, significant massacres, and railways. This finding aims to promote global awareness of the War of Resistance’s heritage and to support its conservation, management, and revitalization.