A multi-ethnic shared dwelling culture: spatial typological distribution patterns and formation mechanisms of China’s Ganlan architectural heritage

Ganlan (stilt houses), an ancient timber dwelling with over 7000 years of history, represents a widely distributed architectural heritage in East and Southeast Asia. Existing research has primarily focused on individual cases, lacking systematic investigation from a macro perspective. This study constructs a multi-attribute information database encompassing 13 provincial-level administrative divisions in China, 35 ethnic groups, and 32,985 Ganlan samples. Using GIS and cluster analyses, the approach systematically reveals the spatial distribution and evolutionary dynamics of five Ganlan types. Results show: (1) The distribution of Ganlan in China is concentrated in mountainous southern China, especially in southwestern ethnic minority regions; (2) type distribution constrained by natural factors and aligned with historical migration routes of ancient ethnic groups; (3) inter-ethnic interaction driving a west-to-east evolutionary pattern. This study highlights the dual roles of natural and cultural selection in shaping Ganlan distribution, offering a scientific basis for cross-ethnic heritage conservation and rural revitalization.