A Framework for the Construction of a Heritage Corridor System: A Case Study of the Shu Road in China

Heritage corridors are methods to effectively protect and utilize linear cultural heritage based on the concept of regional conservation. The construction of a heritage corridor system is extremely important to preserve the natural environment of the heritage corridor area as well as the history and culture alongside. The majority of the research on the construction of heritage corridors heretofore focused on the generation of corridors, whereas studies on the classification of corridors are relatively limited, without a complete system for the construction of heritage corridors. Therefore, this paper aimed to (1) establish a comprehensive system for the construction of heritage corridors, (2) provide new ideas for the construction of heritage corridors, and (3) guide the scientific development of heritage corridors combining conservation and tourism. In the first place, the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was applied to analyze the spatial structure of the study area and explore site selection of the heritage corridors; secondly, spatial syntax was used to measure the heritage corridors and determine the level of the heritage corridors; last but not least, the kernel density analysis was used to classify the types of heritage corridors. The present study shows that the heritage corridor system is built in a scientific approach, covering all aspects including construction, protection, and development.