biostudies-literatureUnknown20(9)Li KThis study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution and the influencing factors of 579 cultural heritage sites along the Qin-Shu Ancient Road in Shaanxi Province, employing kernel density estimation, buffer analysis, and geographic detectors. Three key findings emerge: (1) The spatial pattern is characterized by a "line-belt-core" structure, with a belt-like aggregation along the Xi'an-Baoji-Hanzhong axis. Core concentrations are found in Xi'an (181 sites), Hanzhong (159 sites), and Ankang (122 sites), with secondary concentrations in Baoji (72 sites) and Shangluo (36 sites). The spatial distribution of heritage types-such as ancient road relics, traditional villages, historic architecture, cave temples and rock carvings, modern historic sites, and tomb complexes-is influenced byPloS onee0331676https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12419609biostudies-literatureCultural heritage of the Qin-Shu Ancient Road in Shaanxi: Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors.PMC12419609Fan YHuang ZShi CLi KChen SYin MPang YfalseCultural heritage of the Qin-Shu Ancient Road in Shaanxi: Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors.This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution and the influencing factors of 579 cultural heritage sites along the Qin-Shu Ancient Road in Shaanxi Province, employing kernel density estimation, buffer analysis, and geographic detectors. Three key findings emerge: (1) The spatial pattern is characterized by a "line-belt-core" structure, with a belt-like aggregation along the Xi'an-Baoji-Hanzhong axis. Core concentrations are found in Xi'an (181 sites), Hanzhong (159 sites), and Ankang (122 sites), with secondary concentrations in Baoji (72 sites) and Shangluo (36 sites). The spatial distribution of heritage types-such as ancient road relics, traditional villages, historic architecture, cave temples and rock carvings, modern historic sites, and tomb complexes-is influenced by2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-05-26T17:04:21.89Z2026-05-24T03:07:52.82ZS-EPMC124196094092475210.1371/journal.pone.0331676