Study on the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and influencing factors of the Chinese Native-place associations: a case study of Malay Peninsula

Chinese native-place associations on the Malay Peninsula are important overseas Chinese architectural heritage, yet their regional spatial evolution remains underexplored. Based on 721 associations, this study combines historical documents, GIS-based spatial analysis, and correlation analysis to examine their spatiotemporal distribution, subgroup differences, and driving factors. The results reveal a staged process: before the twentieth century, associations were concentrated in coastal port cities such as Malacca, Penang, and Singapore; during the colonial period, they expanded inland with tin mining and railway construction; and after independence, they dispersed into eastern states and small and medium-sized towns. Min-speaking associations were more closely related to ports, coastlines, and river nodes, whereas Yue-speaking and Hakka associations concentrated along railways and inland mining areas. Key spatial drivers included population growth, transport networks, low-elevation settlements, commercial land use, and political events. This study clarifies their spatial logic and supports differentiated conservation strategies.