Chinese Rural Landscapes at Multiple Scales: Typologies and Diversity

Due to the increased demand for agricultural products, the agricultural industry has become intensified, resulting in a homogenization of the rural landscape. Our study defines rural landscape types at three scales (national, regional, and local) using a multi-scale method. We generated three landscape element datasets using literature and gray statistical analysis. Subsequently, we used the overlay approach and two-step cluster analysis to identify landscape regions, types, and subtypes. The findings indicate the presence of 47 landscape regions at the national scale, 448 landscape types at the regional scale, and 44 landscape subtypes at the local scale with Dahongshan Mountain Region serving as the empirical study site. Furthermore, we have developed a novel method to evaluate landscape diversity index (LDI) which utilizes the proportion of land area occupied by landscape elements in various landscape types. This method incorporates diverse elements, such as topography, landform, land cover/use, vegetation, and agroforestry industries. To examine the role of LDI in landscape planning, we analyzed the relationship between LDI and recreation services using the geographically weighted regression model. The result facilitates landscape planning and management at different administrative levels. Article Highlights Definition of landscape regions, types, and subtypes at multiple scales through overlay method and two-step cluster analysis method. An assessment approach of landscape diversity was carried out using data from the agricultural and forestry industries, topography and landform, land cover and use, and other elements. The GWR regression model of LDI and RS provides a potential use of LDI. This broadly applicable strategy and its results enable landscape monitoring and policy implementation at all scales, from the national to the regional to the local.