Transport-Node-Based Performance Indicators and Tourism Infrastructure Strategies in Historic Cultural Districts

Historic and cultural districts serve as important carriers of urban heritage, but increasing tourist flows have placed growing demands on the capacity of their tourism infrastructure. This study constructs a node-based evaluation framework to assess tourism infrastructure within such districts and applies it to three transport nodes in the Ciqikou Historic and Cultural District of Chongqing. Drawing on Lynch’s theory of spatial nodes and an analytic hierarchy process, the framework integrates field-based infrastructure observations with tourist perception data to generate objective node-level evaluations and to validate their consistency with visitor experience. The results reveal substantial differences in infrastructure performance across nodes, with transport accessibility, information services, and environmental hygiene emerging as key factors shaping satisfaction. The comparison of objective scores and tourist perceptions also highlights mismatches at specific nodes, underscoring the need to align facility provision with actual visitor experience. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted improvement measures addressing transport connectivity, signage systems, basic service facilities, and public safety. The node-based approach offers a practical tool for diagnosing infrastructure gaps in historic cultural districts and provides empirical guidance for refined management and sustainable tourism development.