Exploring the Tourism Development Potential and Distinctive Features of Traditional Wooden Architecture in Central Hunan: A Case Study of 18 Villages

Timber-adorned and rich in heritage, the traditional villages of central Hunan are famed for their wooden architecture, which is both a cornerstone of their cultural identity and a key driver of local tourism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the tourism development level and current status of these villages, providing insights for the enhancement and sustainability of tourism in similar ethnic settlements. This paper scrutinizes 18 villages in central Hunan, considering their resources, development context, and market conditions. A factor analysis-based evaluation system with 30 indicators was developed to assess tourism development potential. The findings indicate that the villages’ potential can be divided into high, medium, and low tiers. Tourism conditions are identified as the main stimulant for regional tourism growth. High-potential villages are scattered, with Da’an Village standing out due to its excellent transportation links; others are clustered in burgeoning tourism areas, notably around the Ziqujie terrace tourism district and Anhua County. Medium-potential villages are largely found in the Daxiong Mountain region, while low-potential villages lack a discernible distribution pattern. In light of these insights, this paper proposes development strategies tailored to the potential of each village, aimed at boosting tourism in central Hunan’s traditional villages and securing their long-term sustainable development.