Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics and protection of water heritage in Zhejiang, China

Purpose In response to the current situation and spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of water heritage in Zhejiang, the article proposes several practical and feasible suggestions for protection, development and utilization of the water heritage. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a preliminary screening of the tangible and intangible water heritage widely distributed in the Zhejiang province and announced by the cultural relics and cultural departments and systematically summarizes the main categories of water heritage in Zhejiang. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the main spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of the most representative tangible water heritage. The uneven spatio-temporal distribution of water heritage in Zhejiang province, with obvious regional characteristics, has had an important impact and positive contribution in the protection, management and tourism development of water heritage. Findings This paper conducts a preliminary screening of the tangible and intangible water heritage widely distributed in the Zhejiang province and announced by the cultural relics and cultural departments and systematically summarizes the main categories of water heritage in Zhejiang. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the main spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of the most representative tangible water heritage. The uneven spatio-temporal distribution of water heritage in Zhejiang province, with obvious regional characteristics, has had an important impact and positive contribution in the protection, management and tourism development of water heritage. In response to the current situation and spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of water heritage in Zhejiang, the article proposes several practical and feasible suggestions for protection, development and utilization of the water heritage. Originality/value This study offers innovative and reliable suggestions for the existing challenges in the protection, development and utilization of Zhejiang's water heritage in order to avoid potential losses of water heritage and presents readers with rich classification and spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of water heritage in Zhejiang's history so as to provide reference for the sustainable development of water heritage in other regions of the world.