Exploring the spatial distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of Hakka folk settlements: a case study of Hakka traditional architecture in southeastern China

Traditional settlements are an important cultural landscape as carriers of regional culture. In order to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and causes of Hakka folk settlements, Hakka traditional architecture in southeastern China was chosen as the research object. From the perspective of geography, this paper combines methods such as survey statistics, geographic information system to calculate the spatial index of Hakka traditional architecture, analyses the spatial distribution characteristics and distribution patterns of Hakka traditional architecture within the Hakka region. The results revealed that the Hakka traditional architecture is characterized by a ‘more clustered and less scattered’ distribution, concentrated and uneven, with the Hakka settlements being spatially gathered and less dispersed. The spatial distribution of Hakka traditional architecture forms five core distribution areas as Ganzhou, Longyan, Meizhou, Huizhou and Shenzhen. The Hakka settlements are predominantly oriented in a northerly direction. The north-south orientation of the settlement dominates the traditional orientation of Hakka buildings. The Hakka traditional buildings are mainly located in areas with altitudes below 500 meters and slopes below 15°. The distance from the water system within 5 km accounts for 63.43% of the total number of Hakka traditional buildings, reflecting the proximity of Hakka traditional buildings to water. The number of square-shaped Hakka buildings is 143, the most significant number of all Hakka building types. It is evident that the formation of Hakka settlements hinges significantly on the interplay of physical and geographical conditions. The Hakka culture, water availability, climate conditions, historical migration patterns and ethnic cultural dynamics influence the distribution of Hakka traditional architecture.