Study on the spatial and temporal differentiation of intangible cultural heritage and its influencing factors in Shandong province

This study examines 357 sports-related intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items in Shandong Province, employing an integrated methodology combining GIS spatial analysis, geodetector modeling, and comparative approaches to investigate their multi-tiered spatial distribution patterns. Through six analytical dimensions—natural ecological environment, sociodemographic conditions, economic development level, regional cultural foundations, transportation accessibility, and policy frameworks—the research systematically evaluates differential influences on spatial configuration. Key findings reveal: (1) Shandong possesses a substantial concentration of sports-related ICH resources with widespread municipal distribution. Among them, a series of results such as the geographic concentration index G = 28.56, Moran’s I 0.94, and Nearest neighbor ratio 0.1 indicate significant clustering characteristics; (2) Macroscale clustering occurs predominantly along the Yellow River Basin and Jiaodong Peninsula coastal zones. (3) Regional high-density clusters emerge in Jinan(1.48–2.03 cores/km 2 ), Heze(1.06–1.31 cores/km 2 ), Zibo(1.18–1.54 cores/km 2 ), and Tsingtao(1.07–1.48 cells/km 2 ), with medium-density clusters spanning Liaocheng, Jining, and Tai’an. (4) Multivariate analysis identifies economic development and sociodemographic factors as primary spatial determinants, with transportation networks and cultural foundations serving as significant contributors. Natural environmental factors and policy interventions exhibit comparatively limited explanatory power. The study proposes targeted recommendations for optimizing spatial distribution patterns and advancing preservation strategies for both Yellow River civilization and regional sports traditions.