Identifying Landscape Character for Large Linear Heritage: A Case Study of the Ming Great Wall in Ji-Town, China

Abstract

The Ming Great Wall (M-GW) is the most representative large linear heritage in China, and faces the problem of landscape fragmentation caused by traditional monument-based protection and disorderly tourism development. We propose to utilise character-based approach for managing landscape change and preserving its integrity. This paper presents a hierarchical characterisation method for the M-GW landscape in Ji-Town in two steps: definition and delimitation of landscape area, and zoning of landscape characters. The landscape area was identified based on the landscape relevance of the space from natural, cultural, and visual aspects. The landscape character types and areas were identified by two dominant attributes using a layout method at Level I (general zoning), and by eight specific attributes using a synthetic method that combines digital and manual approaches at Level II (detailed zoning). According to the analysis results, a wide belt landscape area of about 8650.7 km2 was delimited. A total of eight landscape character types, 15 sub-types, 47 landscape character areas and 359 sub-areas were obtained. Additionally, the results highlighted the key landscape characteristics that could be used for the planning and construction of the National Cultural Park. Finally, this research provides further direction for the theoretical and technical basis of future research on landscape characterization and sustainable management of the whole M-GW and other linear heritage landscapes.