Study on the dynamics of cultural routes and adaptability of folk beliefs: a case of the Great Tea Road and Guan Yu worship

Abstract This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach encompassing historical geography, religious sociology, and digital humanities, concentrating on the Great Tea Road (GTR) and Guan Yu Cult Sites (GYCS) within a 400 km radius of Hankou. It investigates their interaction mechanisms through three dimensions: the agglomeration of GYCS, the influence of GYCS within the GTR network, and the significance of nodes in the dissemination of belief. The integrated analysis of GIS and Gephi indicates that the spatial distribution of GYCS is closely linked to dynamic GTR, exhibiting considerable regional variation, while its cross-regional dissemination mostly relies on social network-mediated practical flexibility. This study establishes a quantitative framework for studying belief dissemination through cultural route dynamics, addresses deficiencies in the interaction between material and intangible aspects within global cultural route theory, and facilitates the application of world heritage and integrated protection.