Integrity protection of the Chang Zhen Great Wall heritage corridor based on minimum cumulative resistance

The Chang Zhen defense area, a critical component of the “Nine Bians and Eleven Zhens,” is strategically significant due to its proximity to Beijing and close association with the Ming Tombs. This study proposes an integrity protection framework through heritage corridor development. Six suitability factors were analyzed using MCR and AHP models. Results indicate that transportation convenience and terrain flatness are pivotal for corridor construction. High-suitability zones largely align with existing Great Wall protection boundaries but extend further into defense-area interiors, including the Ming Tombs. These regions, characterized by flat terrain, infrastructure readiness, and accessibility, present untapped potential for corridor development beyond current heritage zones. The findings underscore the need to prioritize these areas as cultural “windows,” integrating their historical and spatial advantages to enhance coordinated protection between the Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Such efforts would optimize resource utilization while balancing heritage conservation and sustainable development goals.