The spatio-temporal distribution and influencing factors of cave temples and stone carvings in China

Abstract Cave temples and stone carvings, as significant components of human cultural heritage, embody profound historical and cultural values. There was little systematic analysis on the spatiotemporal distribution of Chinese cave temples and rock carvings. This study employed ArcGIS and SPSSAU analytical software to examine nearly 20,000 cave temples and stone carvings across China from the Xia Dynasty to the Republic of China. The findings indicated that: ① The number of cave temples and stone carvings reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, while the Qin Dynasty recorded the lowest quantity; ② Spatial distribution shows “More in east/west, less in center; denser east, scattered west”; ③ The distribution centroid shifted alternately between southeast-northwest and southwest-northeast; ④ Vegetation coverage, village density, and runoff volume correlate positively with site abundance. This study provides valuable insights for the conservation and utilization of cave temples and rock carvings.