Spatial distribution and determinants of Third Front built heritage: insights from West Hubei Province, China

Preservation of Cold War heritage has increasingly garnered global attention. The Third Front construction, China’s Cold War-era strategic hinterland development, remains under-researched in heritage studies. This study examines 123 built heritage sites in West Hubei, integrating historical literature and geospatial analysis to explore spatial evolution and influencing factors. Findings reveal a phased construction pattern (1963–1980) with concentrated layouts, followed by partial demolition post-1980. Early industries included automobile manufacturing (30%), aerospace (12.5%), and special equipment manufacturing (9.2%), forming localized clusters based on production and transportation needs. Large-scale projects concentrated in the east and southeast, while smaller ones followed a linear pattern. Key spatial drivers included topography, geology, river systems, and railroads. This research enhances understanding of the spatial and historical dimensions of Third Front heritage, contributing to Cold War architectural historiography and informing targeted conservation strategies.