Grid-scale analysis of the spatial pattern and hotspot detection of Buddhist sects in China

Abstract Studying Buddhism’s spatial distribution is important for inheritance and protection of cultural heritage. Using Buddhist site data, the spatial distribution, clustering characteristics and hotspots of different sects in China are analyzed and identified at the grid-cell scale using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and density field hotspot detection model (DFHDM). Buddhist sites are dense in southeast and sparse in northwest, with the Hu Line forming the core dividing line. ESDA indicates that Chinese Buddhism is highly concentrated in the southeast side of the Hu Line, Tibetan Buddhism hotspots are concentrated in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and Theravada Buddhism clusters along the western Yunnan province. DFHDM further reveals that Chinese Buddhism exhibits multi-core distribution characteristics, Tibetan Buddhism forms a contiguous core area, and Theravada Buddhism is gradually weakening from Yunnan’s western border corridor toward the interior. This study provides an analytical framework for the protection of Buddhist cultural heritage and regional management.