Research on local knowledge categories and formation mechanisms of traditional village landscapes: A case study of Jiangjin District, Chongqing, China

Locality embodies the spiritual essence and cultural heritage of regional historical development. Traditional villages, as crucial carriers of this “memory,” are essential for preserving regional identity and fostering sustainable development. However, existing research on traditional villages often lacks a unified framework to systematically identify embedded local knowledge, especially tacit elements such as traditional crafts and folk culture. To address this gap, this study proposes an analytical framework for the local knowledge system of traditional villages from an anthropological perspective. Through field investigations and qualitative analyses of eight representative villages in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, the study explores the generation, classification, and formation mechanisms of local knowledge. The findings reveal that: (1) local knowledge in traditional village landscapes consists of two main types—explicit knowledge (e.g., site-selection patterns, spatial morphology, and traditional architecture) and tacit knowledge (e.g., traditional craftsmanship and folk culture); (2) a comprehensive local knowledge atlas was developed, comprising 2 categories, 5 major classes, 15 sub-classes, and 48 small classes; and (3) the formation of local knowledge is driven by factors such as immigrant integration, environmental adaptation, clan culture, and transportation development. This study establishes a systematic foundation for understanding and preserving the unique landscape characteristics and cultural heritage of traditional villages. It offers practical insights for their conservation, sustainable development, and cultural revitalization.