Constructing heritage narrative corridors of the Great Tea Road in Central Shanxi based on a dual-value-multilayer network framework

Abstract Linear cultural heritage is shaped not only by spatial continuity, but also by the coupling of cultural significance, ecological support and historical narrative. Here, we develop a dual-value–multilayer network framework to construct heritage narrative corridors along the Jinzhong–Taiyuan section of the Great Tea Road. We evaluate 589 heritage sites by historical-cultural and ecological-environmental values, identify potential corridors using a comprehensive resistance surface and minimum cumulative resistance modeling, and integrate people, events and physical heritage through multiple centrality and multilayer network analyses. The identified corridors closely follow the historical route, yet cultural and ecological values show clear spatial divergence. We identify three corridor types—culture-dominant, ecology-dominant and composite—and show that Qixian and Pingyao form the core narrative-coupling zone, whereas Taiyuan acts as a connective and radiative hub. This framework redefines heritage corridors as integrated narrative systems and offers a transferable approach for holistic conservation.