Cultural ecology cognition and heritage value of huizhou traditional villages

Heritage value is a prerequisite for protecting and utilising traditional villages. In response to the unclear definition of heritage value, this study develops a conceptual model and an indicator system of traditional village heritage value based on cultural ecology. Additionally, the study analyses heritage value using a three-dimensional matrix model and cluster analysis. The results show significant differences in the heritage value of Huizhou traditional villages. High heritage values are mainly distributed in Yi County and She County, while low heritage values are mainly distributed at the edges of the region. Among the diversity, continuity and integrity differences, the integrity difference is the highest, and is reflected in the quality of heritage ontology and the relationship between heritage ontology and the surrounding environment. In addition, four types of Huizhou traditional villages are identified: resource single type, inheritance dilemma type, quality dilemma type, and heritage vitality type. Utilisation strategies are proposed for the four types to guide the classified management of traditional villages.