Coupling Coordination and Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development: A Case Study of Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

The integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and tourism development (TD) is regarded as a crucial national strategy for China’s sustainable development, as their synergistic relationship is considered pivotal for regional progress. A coupling coordination evaluation system was constructed. Kernel density estimation, entropy method, coupling coordination degree (CCD) and relative development degree (RDD) models, and a tobit model were employed to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of ICH–TD integration in Sichuan Province. Key findings are as follows: (1) Sichuan is endowed with abundant ICH resources characterized by high heritage value and diverse typologies. However, the distribution is skewed toward traditional skills, exhibiting notable regional disparities. ICH demonstrates a “single-core, belt-shaped and multi-cluster” pattern, which is centered on Chengdu, extends along a north–south high-density belt, and forms several secondary high-density clusters. (2) Temporally, the CCD demonstrates a sustained upward trend, whereas the RDD transitions from ICH-lagged to TD-lagged. Spatially, the number of high coordinated cities increases annually, expanding radially from regional centers, while central-eastern regions consistently outperform the west. (3) Regarding influencing factors, comprehensive economic strength, distribution of industrial structure, overall level of urbanization, and transportation accessibility exert significant positive effects on the CCD, with comprehensive economic strength demonstrating the strongest influence. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of ICH–TD synergy and provides policy-relevant guidance for integration.