sustainability

Article The Research on Temporal–Spatial Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Ancient Settlements in the Songhua River Basin

Meng Zhu 1,2, Jianfei Dong 2,* and Yingzhi Gao 2,* 1 School of architecture, Harbin institute of technology, Harbin 150001, China; [email protected] 2 Heilongjiang Cold Region Architectural Science Key Laboratory, Harbin 150006, China * Correspondence: [email protected] (M.Z.); [email protected] (Y.G.)



Received: 4 January 2019; Accepted: 5 February 2019; Published: 12 February 2019


Abstract: Settlements have a high cultural and historical value in regions as indicators of human habitation and culture. The Songhua River Basin is on the edge of a traditional cultural center, which has scattered ecological elements, a special culture, and historical faults. Because of the superposition of traces of different ethnic activities in different periods, the Songhua River has a special and diversified cultural foundation and heritage, which is of high research value. However, the ancient settlements in this region have not been given sufficient attention and as a result it is difficult to achieve a complete and systematic study. In order to promote the cultural value of this historical region and the development of a regional and cultural industry, this paper seeks to study the ancient settlements of Songhua River Basin. With the help of GIS technology, archeological excavations, and the concept of ethnic pedigree in ethnology, this study analyzes the temporal–spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin, in order to determine how the heritage value of these settlements can be sustainably protected.

Keywords: ancient settlements; Songhua River Basin; temporal–spatial distribution; morphological characteristics

1. Introduction The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) were proposed at the United Nations Sustainable Development summit held in New York in 2015. The goals aim to solve the developmental problems in the three dimensions of society, economy and environment and to turn to the path of sustainable development, among which the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal is very important for regional development. Under the impact of modern civilization, the regional protection of cultural heritage has been given more attention by various countries. The excavation of 19 cultural geographic spaces and the construction of cultural ecological protection areas have been carried out in different degrees. Therefore, the study on the development of settlements in the region is of great significance for the sustainable development of the region [1–3]. This topic has been deeply considered in the planning of sustainable development and the traditional culture of cultural heritage conservation Since 19 Century [2,4]. In Europe, the United States, and other countries, sustainable development is mainly manifested through the establishment of ecological museums, cultural routes and cultural heritage areas, In China, the research on ancient settlements is mostly concentrated in the area of traditional architectural culture, while the research on settlements in marginal areas still needs to be improved. In particular, research on the temporal–spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin is still an unexplored area in the study of architectural history. Northeast China has always been a special geographical location in Chinese history, and the ancient nations of northeast China have played a very important role in the formation and development

Sustainability 2019, 11, 932; doi:10.3390/su11030932 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 13 traditional architectural culture, while the research on settlements in marginal areas still needs to be improved. In particular, research on the temporal–spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin is still an unexplored area in the study of architectural history.

Northeast China has always been a special geographical location in Chinese history, and the Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 2 of 12 ancient nations of northeast China have played a very important role in the formation and development of Chinese culture. From a macro perspective, the history and culture of the Songhua ofRiver Chinese Basin, culture. and even From the aAumer macro Basin, perspective, are of the the same history value and as culture the Yangtze of the SonghuaRiver and River the Yellow Basin, andRiver, even which the are Aumer considered Basin, arethe ofcradles the same of Chinese value ascivilization the Yangtze [5,6]. River The and long-term the Yellow contact, River, collision, which areand consideredfusion between the cradles the minority of Chinese system civilization and the [Hu5,6axia]. The Family long-term can be contact, traced collision, back to the and Shang– fusion betweenZhou period. the minority Later, the system Xianbei and (鲜卑 the), Huaxia Khitan Family(契丹), Nuzhen can be traced (女真), back Mongolian to the Shang–Zhou (蒙古族 ), Manchu period. ( Later,满族), theand Xianbei other (ethnic鲜卑), groups Khitan (became契丹), Nuzhen the dominant (女真), Mongolian groups in (the蒙古 north族), Manchu and even (满 族occupied), and other the ethniccentralgroups plains, becamewhich promoted the dominant the groupsintegration in the of north the north andeven and occupiedthe souththe many central times plains, in Chinese which promotedhistory, and the even integration changed of the the north pattern and theof the south whol manye east times Asia in Chineseregion history,[7]. The and research even changed on the thesettlements pattern ofin thenortheast whole China east Asia can region be traced [7]. back The researchto the colonization on the settlements study led in by northeast Russia and China Japan can bein the traced middle back of to the the last colonization century. At study present, led byrepresentative Russia and settlements Japan in the in middle the Songhua of the lastRiver century. Basin Athave present, been excavated, representative such settlementsas the Fenglin in the(凤林 Songhua) ancient River city in Basin the Sanjiang have been Plain excavated, from the such Han–Wei as the Fenglinperiod and (凤 林the) ancientcapital city inof thethe SanjiangBohai States Plain during from thethe Han–WeiTang Dynasty period [8– and10]. theHowever, capital citystudies of the of Bohaiancient States settlements during thein the Tang Songhua Dynasty River [8–10 ].Basin However, are based studies on of archaeology, ancient settlements and therefore in the Songhua mostly Riverdescriptive Basin areand based qualitative. on archaeology, Furthermore, and thereforethe meth mostlyods used descriptive are only andbased qualitative. on discovery Furthermore, records, thehistorical methods data, used and are onlyresearch based from on discoverythe site; records,there is historicalno in-depth data, study and research on the from temporal–spatial the site; there isdistribution no in-depth and study morphological on the temporal–spatial characteristics distributionof the settlement. and morphologicalThe object of this characteristics study is the ancient of the settlement.settlements Thein the object Songhua of this River study Basin is the (Figure ancient 1). settlementsLearned from in thethe Songhuawest since River the 19 Basin century (Figure in the1). Learnedtraditional from culture the west of cultural since the heritage 19 century protection in the traditionalmethods, and culture with of the cultural help of heritage GIS (Geographic protection methods,Information and System with the) spatial help of analysis GIS (Geographic technology, Information we analyzed System) the temporal–spatial spatial analysis distribution technology, and we analyzedmorphological the temporal–spatial characteristics of distribution ancient settlements and morphological in the Songhua characteristics River Basin, of ancient and accuracy settlements the inancient the Songhua cultural Riverheritage Basin, sites. and This accuracy is the basis the ancient for the culturalplanning heritage of cultural sites. and This ecological is the basis protection for the planningareas, so as of to cultural put forward and ecological planning protection content from areas, the so perspective as to put forward of inheritance planning and content development from the in perspectivethe future. This of inheritance will help andto realize development the sustai in thenable future. development This will demands help to realize of regional the sustainable heritage developmentprotection, urban demands construction of regional, and heritage economic protection, development. urbanconstruction, and economic development.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the Songhua River Basin. Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the Songhua River Basin. 2. Methods The research methods of ancient settlements are no longer based on a single subject knowledge, but permeate each other. Nowadays, with the development of related disciplines, the emergence of new technologies [11] such as Hadoop, and GIS, there are new technical means for the research and analysis of ancient settlement sites. Furthermore, interdisciplinary research methods from the perspectives of archaeology [12], cultural geography [13], and ethnic culturology [14] provide new ideas and SustainabilitySustainabilitySustainabilitySustainability 2019 20192019 2019, 11,, , 11 ,11, 11x,, , x FOR,xx x FOR FORFOR FOR PEER PEER PEERPEER PEER REVIEW REVIEW REVIEWREVIEW REVIEW 3 33of 3 of ofof13 13 13 13

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TheTheTheThe number numbernumber number of ofof of Period Shang–Zhou19191919 Han–Wei531531531531 Tang–Bohai143143143143 Liao–Jin611611611611 Ming–Qing40404040 settlementssettlementssettlementssettlementssettlements The number of 19 531 143 611 40 settlements

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TheTheThe TheThe HanHanHan HanHan dynastydynastydynasty dynastydynasty beganbeganbegan beganbegan tototo toto recordrecordrecord recordrecord large-large-large- large-large- scalescalescalescalescale constructionconstruction construction constructionconstruction activitiesactivities activities activitiesactivities duriduri duri duriduringngngngng thethe the thethe Han–WeiHan–Wei Han–Wei Han–WeiHan–Wei period,period, period, period,period, andand and andand aa a a a concentratedconcentrated concentrated concentratedconcentrated distributiondistribution distribution distributiondistribution ofof of ofof ancientancient ancient ancientancient settlementssettlementssettlementssettlementssettlements appearedappeared appeared appearedappeared inin in inin thethe the thethe SonghuaSonghua Songhua SonghuaSonghua RiverRiver River RiverRiver Basin.Basin. Basin. Basin.Basin. AfAf Af AfAfterterterterter aa a a a certaincertain certain certaincertain periodperiod period periodperiod ofof of ofof fault,fault, fault, fault,fault, aa a a a largelarge large largelarge numbernumber number numbernumber ofof of ofof settlementssettlementssettlementssettlementssettlements were werewere werewere built builtbuilt builtbuilt in inin inin the thethe thethe later laterlater laterlater Tang–Bohai Tang–BohaiTang–Bohai Tang–BohaiTang–Bohai peri periperi periperiod.od.od.od.od. The TheThe TheThe Liao–Jin Liao–JinLiao–Jin Liao–JinLiao–Jin period periodperiod periodperiod experienced experiencedexperienced experiencedexperienced another anotheranother anotheranother peak peakpeak peakpeak ofofofofof settlement settlementsettlement settlementsettlement development developmentdevelopment developmentdevelopment after afterafter afterafter the thethe thethe Yuan YuanYuan YuanYuan dynasty dynastydynasty dynastydynasty co coco cocompletedmpletedmpletedmpletedmpleted the thethe thethe unification unificationunification unificationunification of ofof ofof the thethe thethe northeast northeastnortheast northeastnortheast region, region,region, region,region, andandandandand thethethe thethe urbanurbanurban urbanurban settlementsettlementsettlement settlementsettlement ininin inin thethethe thethe regionregionregion regionregion waswaswas waswas basicallybasicallybasically basicallybasically formedformedformed formedformed ininin inin thethethe thethe Ming–QingMing–QingMing–Qing Ming–QingMing–Qing period.period.period. period.period. AtAtAt AtAt thisthisthis thisthis time,time,time, time,time, theretheretheretherethere were werewerewerewere few fewfewfewfew large-scale large-scalelarge-scalelarge-scalelarge-scale construction constructionconstructionconstructionconstruction activi activiactiviactiviactivities,ties,ties,ties,ties, and andandandand the thethethethe morphological morphologicalmorphologicalmorphologicalmorphological changes changeschangeschangeschanges were werewerewerewere weak weakweakweakweak comparedcomparedcomparedcomparedcompared with withwithwithwith those thosethosethosethose before, before,before,before,before, which whichwhichwhichwhich was waswaswaswas in inininin th ththththeee e e declining decliningdecliningdecliningdeclining period periodperiodperiodperiod of ofofofof the thethethethe ancient ancientancientancientancient settlement settlementsettlementsettlementsettlement morphologicalmorphologicalmorphologicalmorphologicalmorphological development developmentdevelopment developmentdevelopment in inin inin the thethe thethe Songhua SonghuaSonghua SonghuaSonghua River RiverRiver RiverRiver Basin. Basin.Basin. Basin.Basin.

TheTheTheTheThe kernel kernelkernel kernelkernel density densitydensity densitydensity of ofof ofof settlements settlementssettlements settlementssettlements in inin inin different differentdifferent differentdifferent pe pepe peperiodsriodsriodsriodsriods were werewere werewere calculated. calculated.calculated. calculated.calculated. The TheThe TheThe higher higherhigher higherhigher the thethe thethe value, value,value, value,value, the thethe thethe darkerdarkerdarkerdarkerdarker the thethe thethe color, color,color, color,color, which whichwhich whichwhich indicates indicatesindicates indicatesindicates the thethe thethe existence existenceexistence existenceexistence of ofof ofof a aa a alarge-scale large-scalelarge-scale large-scalelarge-scale centralized centralizedcentralized centralizedcentralized distribution distributiondistribution distributiondistribution of ofof ofof settlements settlementssettlements settlementssettlements ininininin thisthis this thisthis regionregion region regionregion duringduring during duringduring thisthis this thisthis period.period. period. period.period. AfterAfter After AfterAfter calculatincalculatin calculatin calculatincalculatingggg g thethe the thethe kernelkernel kernel kernelkernel densitydensity density densitydensity ofof of ofof thethe the thethe ancientancient ancient ancientancient settlementssettlements settlements settlementssettlements inin in inin eacheacheacheacheach period,period, period, period,period, wewe we wewe concludedconcluded concluded concludedconcluded thatthat that thatthat thethe the thethe settlementssettlements settlements settlementssettlements inin in inin thethe the thethe threethree three threethree periodsperiods periods periodsperiods ofof of ofof Han–Wei,Han–Wei, Han–Wei, Han–Wei,Han–Wei, Tang–Bohai,Tang–Bohai, Tang–Bohai, Tang–Bohai,Tang–Bohai, andand and andand Liao–JinLiao–JinLiao–JinLiao–JinLiao–Jin werewerewere werewere distributeddistributeddistributed distributeddistributed ononon onon aaa a a largelargelarge largelarge scale.scale.scale. scale.scale. InInIn InIn particular,particular,particular, particular,particular, thethethe thethe HanHanHan HanHan dynastydynastydynasty dynastydynasty appearedappearedappeared appearedappeared tototo toto havehavehave havehave massivemassivemassive massivemassive constructionconstructionconstructionconstructionconstruction activity,activity, activity, activity,activity, thethe the thethe centralizedcentralized centralized centralizedcentralized distributiondistribution distribution distributiondistribution ofof of ofof ancientancient ancient ancientancient settlementssettlements settlements settlementssettlements firstfirst first firstfirst appearedappeared appeared appearedappeared inin in inin thethe the thethe Han–Han– Han– Han–Han– WeiWeiWeiWeiWei period.period. period. period.period. InIn In InIn thethe the thethe GISGIS GIS GISGIS kernelkernel kernel kernelkernel densitydensity density densitydensity analysis,analysis, analysis, analysis,analysis, thth th ththeee e e densitydensity density densitydensity ofof of ofof settlementssettlements settlements settlementssettlements inin in inin thethe the thethe areaarea area areaarea betweenbetween between betweenbetween thethe the thethe SonghuaSonghuaSonghuaSonghuaSonghua River, River, River,River,River, Aumer Aumer AumerAumerAumer River, River, River,River,River, and and andandand Wusuli Wusuli WusuliWusuliWusuli ( ( (乌苏里(乌苏里(乌苏里乌苏里乌苏里))) ) )River River RiverRiverRiver increased increased increasedincreasedincreased significantly. significantly. significantly.significantly.significantly. Most Most MostMostMost of of ofofof these these thesethesethese settlementssettlementssettlementssettlementssettlements werewere were werewere concentratedconcentrated concentrated concentratedconcentrated aroundaround around aroundaround XingkaiXingkai Xingkai XingkaiXingkai (( (兴凯 兴凯(兴凯(兴凯兴凯))) ) Lake,)Lake, Lake, Lake,Lake, MulingMuling Muling MulingMuling River,River, River, River,River, NaolivNaoliv Naoliv NaolivNaoliv (( (挠力 挠力(挠力(挠力挠力))) ) River,)River, River, River,River, andand and andand otherotherotherotherother water waterwater waterwater systems, systems,systems, systems,systems, and andand andand the thethe thethe spatia spatiaspatia spatiaspatialll distributionl distributionldistribution distributiondistribution showed showedshowed showedshowed that thatthat thatthat the thethe thethe organic organicorganic organicorganic form formform formform was waswas waswas dominated dominateddominated dominateddominated by byby byby the thethe thethe nativenativenativenativenative culture cultureculture cultureculture (Figure (Figure(Figure (Figure(Figure 2). 2).2). 2).2).

FigureFigureFigureFigureFigure 2. 2.2. 2. 2. The TheThe TheThe kernel kernelkernel kernelkernel density densitydensity densitydensity of ofof ofof ancient ancientancient ancientancient sett settsett settsettlementslementslementslementslements during duringduring duringduring the thethe thethe Han–Wei Han–WeiHan–Wei Han–WeiHan–Wei period. period.period. period.period. Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13

The number of 290 69 26 230 40 sites (≥50,000 m2)

Visualization based on GIS

Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 4 of 12 Generally speaking, the Songhua River Basin in the late Paleolithic period was marked by a large area of human activities, and in the Shang–Zhou period had settlement construction activities. ExamplesGenerally include speaking, the south the city Songhua site of RiverYufeng Basin (渔丰 in) thein Raohe late Paleolithic (饶河) county, period Wupaishan was marked (五排山 by a) largecity site area in ofDongning human activities, (东宁) county, and in and the Liangtai Shang–Zhou (粮台) period mountain had city settlement site in the construction city of Muling activities. (穆棱 Examples). Although include the number the south of settlements city site of found Yufeng and (渔 conf丰)irmed in Raohe make (饶 it河 difficult) county, to Wupaishan form a system, (五排 it山 is) cityenough site to in prove Dongning that the (东 ancient宁) county, settlements and Liangtai in the Songhua (粮台) mountain River Basin city were site in in the the embryonic city of Muling stage (of穆 settlement棱). Although development the number during of settlements the Shang–Zhou found and period. confirmed The Han make dynasty it difficult began to to form record a system, large- itscale is enough construction to prove activities that the duri ancientng the settlements Han–Wei inperiod, the Songhua and a concentrated River Basin weredistribution in the embryonic of ancient stagesettlements of settlement appeared development in the Songhua during River the Basin. Shang–Zhou After a period.certain Theperiod Han of dynastyfault, a large began number to record of large-scalesettlements constructionwere built in activitiesthe later Tang–Bohai during the Han–Weiperiod. The period, Liao–Jin and period a concentrated experienced distribution another peak of ancientof settlement settlements development appeared after in the the Yuan Songhua dynasty River completed Basin. After the unification a certain periodof the northeast of fault, aregion, large numberand the urban of settlements settlement were in the built region in the was later basically Tang–Bohai formed period. in the The Ming–Qing Liao–Jin period. period experiencedAt this time, anotherthere were peak few of settlementlarge-scale developmentconstruction afteractivi theties, Yuan and dynastythe morphological completed thechanges unification were ofweak the northeastcompared region,with those and the before, urban which settlement was inin the the region declining was basicallyperiod of formed the ancient in the Ming–Qingsettlement period.morphological At this time,development there were in fewthe Songhua large-scale River construction Basin. activities, and the morphological changes were weak compared with those before, which was in the declining period of the ancient settlement The kernel density of settlements in different periods were calculated. The higher the value, the morphological development in the Songhua River Basin. darker the color, which indicates the existence of a large-scale centralized distribution of settlements The kernel density of settlements in different periods were calculated. The higher the value, in this region during this period. After calculating the kernel density of the ancient settlements in the darker the color, which indicates the existence of a large-scale centralized distribution of settlements each period, we concluded that the settlements in the three periods of Han–Wei, Tang–Bohai, and in this region during this period. After calculating the kernel density of the ancient settlements in each Liao–Jin were distributed on a large scale. In particular, the Han dynasty appeared to have massive period, we concluded that the settlements in the three periods of Han–Wei, Tang–Bohai, and Liao–Jin construction activity, the centralized distribution of ancient settlements first appeared in the Han– were distributed on a large scale. In particular, the Han dynasty appeared to have massive construction Wei period. In the GIS kernel density analysis, the density of settlements in the area between the activity, the centralized distribution of ancient settlements first appeared in the Han–Wei period. In the Songhua River, Aumer River, and Wusuli (乌苏里) River increased significantly. Most of these GIS kernel density analysis, the density of settlements in the area between the Songhua River, Aumer settlements were concentrated around Xingkai (兴凯) Lake, Muling River, Naoliv (挠力) River, and River, and Wusuli (乌苏里) River increased significantly. Most of these settlements were concentrated other water systems, and the spatial distribution showed that the organic form was dominated by the around Xingkai (兴凯) Lake, Muling River, Naoliv (挠力) River, and other water systems, and the native culture (Figure 2). spatial distribution showed that the organic form was dominated by the native culture (Figure2).

Figure 2. The kernel density of ancient settlements during the Han–Wei period. Figure 2. The kernel density of ancient settlements during the Han–Wei period. Due to wars and frequent changes of dynasties, the development of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin showed a certain period of fracture after the Han–Wei period. The Tang–Bohai period ushered in the development of the second peak (Figure3). The settlements of Bohai States were mainly distributed in the Mudan River Basin, the largest tributary on the right bank of the Songhua River. At this time, the spatial distribution of the settlements showed that major cities were surrounded by satellite cities, which reflected the migration and infiltration of the Tang dynasty culture. Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 13

SustainabilityDue to wars 2019, 11and, x FOR frequent PEER REVIEW changes of dynasties, the development of ancient settlements5 ofin 13the Songhua River Basin showed a certain period of fracture after the Han–Wei period. The Tang–Bohai Due to wars and frequent changes of dynasties, the development of ancient settlements in the period ushered in the development of the second peak (Figure 3). The settlements of Bohai States Songhua River Basin showed a certain period of fracture after the Han–Wei period. The Tang–Bohai were mainly distributed in the Mudan River Basin, the largest tributary on the right bank of the period ushered in the development of the second peak (Figure 3). The settlements of Bohai States Songhua River. At this time, the spatial distribution of the settlements showed that major cities were were mainly distributed in the Mudan River Basin, the largest tributary on the right bank of the surroundedSonghua River.by satellite At this cities, time, thewh spatialich reflected distribution the migration of the settlements and infiltration showed that of themajor Tang cities dynasty were culture.surrounded by satellite cities, which reflected the migration and infiltration of the Tang dynasty Sustainabilityculture.2019 , 11, 932 5 of 12

Figure 3. The kernel density of ancient settlements during the Tang–Bohai period. FigureFigure 3. The 3. The kernel kernel density density of of ancient ancient settlementssettlements during during the the Tang–Bohai Tang–Bohai period. period.

TheThe Liao–JinThe Liao–Jin Liao–Jin period period period was was was thethe the thirdthird third peakpeak peak ofof of settlementsettl settlementement developmentdevelopment (Figure(Figure (Figure 4). 4).4 It). It was Itwas was also also also the the the highesthighesthighest peak peak peak of of the theof developmentthe development development of of of allall all thethe the ancient ancient se settlements.settlements.ttlements. TheThe The Liao, Liao, Jin,Jin, Jin, and and and Yuan Yuan Yuan dynasties dynasties dynasties built builtbuilt a largea largea numberlarge number number of settlementsof ofsettlements settlements in the in in rulethe the ofrule rule northeast ofof northeastnortheast China forChinaChina more for than moremore 400 thanthan years. 400400 These years. years. settlements These These settlements were mostly distributed along the main rivers and the plain areas washed out by the were mostlysettlements distributed were mostly along distributed the main along rivers the and main the plainrivers areasand the washed plain areas out by washed the rivers, out by especially the rivers, especially in the Songnen Plain, the largest plain area in the basin. in therivers, Songnen especially Plain, in the the largest Songnen plain Plain, area the in largest the basin. plain area in the basin.

Figure 4. The kernel density of ancient settlements during the Liao–Jin period. FigureFigure 4. 4.The The kernel kernel densitydensity ofof ancient settle settlementsments during during the the Liao–Jin Liao–Jin period. period. 3.2. Settlements3.2. Settlements Dominated Dominated by Differentby Different Cultural Cultural Forms Forms 3.2. Settlements Dominated by Different Cultural Forms In the process of historical development, the frequent collision and integration of different ethnic In the process of historical development, the frequent collision and integration of different ethnic groupsIn the madeprocess the of ethnic historical composition development, system the of the freq Songhuauent collision River Basinand integration very complex. of different This study ethnic is groupsgroupsdivided made made into the the three ethnic ethnic categories: compositioncomposition farming system system culture, of of the thefi shingSonghua Songhua and Riverhunting River Basin Basinculture, very very andcomplex. complex.nomadic This culture, Thisstudy study is is dividedaccording into to three the categories: categories:dominant cultural farming farming forms culture, culture, of ethnic fishing fishing groups, and and hunting so hunting as to culture,avoid culture, controversial and and nomadic nomadic issues culture, culture,on accordingaccordingethnic to groupsto the the dominant dominantand genera cultural cultural in settlement forms forms of ethnicofanalysis. ethnic groups, Ingroups, this so study, asso toas avoid theto avoidlogical controversial controversial relationship issues betweenissues on ethnicon groupsethnicsettlement and groups genera siteand in selection settlementgenera inand settlement analysis. dominant In analysis. cultural this study, Inform thethis was logicalstudy, explored relationshipthe logical by analyzing relationship between the settlement altitude, between site selectionsettlementtopography, and site dominant hydrology,selection cultural andand otherdominant form geographical was exploredcultural envi form byronment analyzing was informationexplored the altitude, by of settlementsanalyzing topography, thein different altitude, hydrology, andtopography, otherperiods geographical in hydrology, the GIS and environment and combining other geographical the information dominant envi cultural ofronment settlements form informationof settlements in different of [24,25]. settlements periods in in the different GIS and combiningperiods in the the dominant GIS and combining cultural form the dominant of settlements cultural [24 form,25]. of settlements [24,25]. Figures5–8 display the elevation calculation of settlement points in the Han–Wei period and the aspect, slope direction, and buffer zone calculation of urban site points. Under the dominance of a fishing and hunting culture, the distribution of ancient settlements in the Han and Wei dynasties were mostly concentrated in the Sanjiang Plain, which had a large number of water systems, complex topography, dense forests, and abundant resources of wetlands and hilly regions between mountains and rivers. During this period, Sushen (肃慎), Yilou (挹娄), Wuji (勿吉), and other ethnic groups with fishing and hunting as their main production methods chose this settlement site to adapt to the characteristics of a hunting and gathering community. The social structure of this period was mainly organized as a clan commune with blood relationship as the bond. Therefore, the overall layout of its settlements was not restricted by the obvious etiquette system and order, which was mainly Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13 Figures 5–8 display the elevation calculation of settlement points in the Han–Wei period and the Sustainabilityaspect,Figures slope 2019 5–8 direction,, 11 display, x FOR PEER theand elevation REVIEWbuffer zone calculation calculation of settlement of urban pointssite points. in the Under Han–Wei the dominanceperiod and6 oftheof 13 a aspect,fishing slope and huntingdirection, culture, and buffer the distributionzone calculation of ancient of urban settlements site points. in theUnder Han the and dominance Wei dynasties of a fishingwereFigures mostly and hunting 5–8concentrated display culture, the in elevation the Sanjiangdistribution calculation Plain, of whichancient of settlement had settlements a large points number in in thethe of HanHan–Wei water and systems, Weiperiod dynasties complex and the wereaspect,topography, mostly slope concentrated densedirection, forests, and in and thebuffer abundantSanjiang zone Plain,calculation resources which of of had wetlands urban a large site and number points. hilly regionsofUnder water thebetween systems, dominance mountains complex of a topography,fishingand rivers. and During densehunting forests, this culture, period, and the abundant Sushen distribution (肃慎 resources), Yilouof ancient of ( 挹娄wetlands settlements), Wuji and (勿吉 hilly in), andregionsthe otherHan between and ethnic Wei groups mountains dynasties with andwerefishing rivers. mostly and During concentratedhunting this as period, their in the Sushenmain Sanjiang production (肃慎 Plain,), Yilou which meth (挹娄 odshad), Wujichosea large ( 勿吉this number ),settlement and of other water siteethnic systems, to groupsadapt complex towith the fishingtopography,characteristics and hunting dense of a forests,hunting as their and and main abundant gathering production resources community. meth ofods wetlands The chose social andthis structure hillysettlement regions of this site between period to adapt wasmountains mainlyto the characteristicsandorganized rivers. asDuring aof clan a hunting this commune period, and with Sushengathering blood (肃慎 community.relationship), Yilou (挹娄 Theas ),the socialWuji bond. (structure勿吉 Therefore,), and of other this the periodoverallethnic groupswas layout mainly withof its organizedfishingsettlements and as huntingawas clan not commune as restricted their withmain by blood productionthe relationshipobvious meth etiquette odsas the chose bond.system this Therefore, andsettlement order, the siteoverallwhich to adaptlayoutwas mainlyto of theits characteristics of a hunting and gathering community. The social structure of this period was mainly Sustainabilitysettlementsmanifested2019 wasas, 11 the, 932not original restricted organization by the formobvious base detiquette on production system and and life, order, and dominatedwhich was by mainly natural6 of 12 manifestedorganizedgeographical asas a theconditions. clan original commune organization with blood form relationship based on production as the bond. and Therefore, life, and the dominated overall layout by natural of its geographicalsettlements wasconditions. not restricted by the obvious etiquette system and order, which was mainly manifestedmanifested as as the the original original organization organization formform basedbased on production production and and life, life, and and dominated dominated by by natural natural geographicalgeographical conditions. conditions.

Figure 5. Elevation of the Han–Wei period.

Figure 5. Elevation of the Han–Wei period. Figure 5. Elevation of the Han–Wei period. Figure 5. Elevation of the Han–Wei period.

Figure 6. Aspect of the Han–Wei period. Figure 6. Aspect of the Han–Wei period. Figure 6. Aspect of the Han–Wei period. Figure 6. Aspect of the Han–Wei period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

Figure 7. Slope of the Han–Wei period. Figure 7. Slope of the Han–Wei period.

Figure 8. Buffer of the Han–Wei period. Figure 8. Buffer of the Han–Wei period.

Based on the analysis of settlements in the Tang–Bohai period (Figures 9–12), it can be seen that the distribution of settlements in the Songhua River Basin was mainly concentrated in the Mudan River valley hills and gentle mountains. The Bohai States were a political power established by the Mohe branch and supported by the Tang Dynasty. These States covered a vast area but the main settlements were concentrated in the present-day border between China and Korea. Mohe nationality’s early production mode was mainly hunting, but its political power was supported by the Tang dynasty, so it was deeply influenced by Han culture. Although the current archaeological findings show that in the period of the Bohai States, there were more mountain cities and fewer plain cities, most sites with a dominant status and high administrative level were in the plain. The mountain cities were mainly built on the main road on both sides of the Mudan River, and played a defensive role by controlling the pass. In this period, the layout of urban sites or the choice of form and system did not matter; ancient settlements showed a high degree of imitation and absorption of Han culture and ritual in the central plains, with a trend from irregularity to regularity.

Figure 9. Elevation of the Tang–Bohai period. Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

Figure 7. Slope of the Han–Wei period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 7 of 12 Figure 8. Buffer of the Han–Wei period. Based on the analysis of settlements in the Tang–Bohai period (Figures9–12), it can be seen that Based on the analysis of settlements in the Tang–Bohai period (Figures 9–12), it can be seen that the distribution of settlements in the Songhua River Basin was mainly concentrated in the Mudan the distribution of settlements in the Songhua River Basin was mainly concentrated in the Mudan River valley hills and gentle mountains. The Bohai States were a political power established by the River valley hills and gentle mountains. The Bohai States were a political power established by the Mohe branch and supported by the Tang Dynasty. These States covered a vast area but the main Mohe branch and supported by the Tang Dynasty. These States covered a vast area but the main settlements were concentrated in the present-day border between China and Korea. Mohe nationality’s settlements were concentrated in the present-day border between China and Korea. Mohe earlynationality’s production early mode production was mainly mode hunting, was mainly but its hunting, political powerbut its political was supported power bywas the supported Tang dynasty, by sothe it was Tang deeply dynasty, influenced so it was by deeply Han culture. influenced Although by Han the culture. current Although archaeological the current findings archaeological show that in thefindings period ofshow the that Bohai in States,the period there of werethe Bohai more Stat mountaines, there citieswere more and fewer mountain plain cities cities, and most fewer sites plain with a dominantcities, most status sites and with high a dominant administrative status leveland werehigh inadministrative the plain. The level mountain were in cities the wereplain. mainlyThe builtmountain on the maincities roadwere onmainly both built sides on of the the main Mudan road River, on both and sides played of the a defensiveMudan River, role and by controllingplayed a thedefensive pass. In role this by period, controlling the layout the pass. of urban In this sites period or, thethe choicelayout of urban form andsites systemor the choice did not of matter;form ancientand system settlements did not showed matter; a ancient high degree settlements of imitation showed and a high absorption degree of imitation Han culture and and absorption ritual in of the centralHan plains,culture withand ritual a trend in the from central irregularity plains, wi toth regularity. a trend from irregularity to regularity.

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13 Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13 Figure 9. Elevation of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 9. Elevation of the Tang–Bohai period.

Figure 10. Aspect of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 10. Aspect of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 10. Aspect of the Tang–Bohai period.

Figure 11. Slope of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 11. Slope of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 11. Slope of the Tang–Bohai period.

Figure 12. Buffer of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 12. Buffer of the Tang–Bohai period. During the Liao–Jin period, the dominant national ideology is nomadic culture, and a large numberDuring of settlements the Liao–Jin were period, selected the indominant plain areas national with a ideology flat and openis nomadic terrain, culture, such as theand Songnen a large numberPlain, which of settlements was washed were out selected by the confluencein plain areas of thewith Songhua a flat and Rive openr and terrain, Nen River such (Figuresas the Songnen 13–16). Plain,The Liao–Jin which was period washed did notout inheritby the confluencethe same form of the as Songhua the Tang–Bohai River and period, Nen Riverwhere (Figures the urban 13–16). sites Thewere Liao–Jin mostly periodbuilt in did the not direction inherit of the the same river’s form course, as the with Tang–Bohai vision and period, abundant where water the urban and grass. sites wereSuch mostlysite selection built in was the indirection line wi thof thethe productionriver’s course, mode with of visionnomadi andc people. abundant Later, water the andrise grass.of the SuchNuzhen site andselection Mongolian was in ethnic line wigroupsth the forced production a large mode number of nomadiof Han cpeople people. to Later,move tothe the rise Songnen of the NuzhenPlain, which and Mongolianbrought advanced ethnic groups agricultural forced technology a large number and brought of Han people about ato large-scale move to the reclamation Songnen Plain,of the which Songhua brought River advanced Basin. Through agricultural the integration technology of andthe farmingbrought cultureabout a of large-scale the central reclamation plains and ofthe the nomadic Songhua culture River Basin.of the Through northern the region, integration the ancient of the farmingsettlements culture in the of theSonghua central River plains Basin and thereached nomadic an unprecedented culture of the state northern of prosperity. region, theIn addi ancienttion, insettlements order to strengthen in the Songhua their rule River and Basin resist reached an unprecedented state of prosperity. In addition, in order to strengthen their rule and resist Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13

Figure 10. Aspect of the Tang–Bohai period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 8 of 12 Figure 11. Slope of the Tang–Bohai period.

Figure 12. Buffer of the Tang–Bohai period. Figure 12. Buffer of the Tang–Bohai period. During the Liao–Jin period, the dominant national ideology is nomadic culture, and a large During the Liao–Jin period, the dominant national ideology is nomadic culture, and a large number of settlements were selected in plain areas with a flat and open terrain, such as the Songnen number of settlements were selected in plain areas with a flat and open terrain, such as the Songnen Plain,Plain, which which was was washed washed out out byby thethe confluenceconfluence of of the the Songhua Songhua Rive Riverr and and Nen Nen River River (Figures (Figures 13–16). 13–16 ). TheThe Liao–Jin Liao–Jin period period did did not not inheritinherit thethe same form as as the the Tang–Bohai Tang–Bohai period, period, where where the the urban urban sites sites werewere mostly mostly built built in in the the direction direction ofof thethe river’sriver’s course, course, with with vision vision and and abundant abundant water water and and grass. grass. SuchSuch site site selection selection was was in in lineline withwith thethe productionproduction mode mode of of nomadi nomadicc people. people. Later, Later, the the rise rise of ofthe the NuzhenNuzhen and and Mongolian Mongolian ethnic ethnic groupsgroups forced a large number number of of Han Han people people to to move move to tothe the Songnen Songnen Plain,Plain, which which brought brought advanced advanced agricultural agricultural technology technology andand broughtbrought aboutabout aa large-scalelarge-scale reclamation of theof Songhua the Songhua River River Basin. Basin. Through Through the the integration integration of theof the farming farming culture culture of of the the central central plains plains and and the Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13 nomadicthe nomadic culture culture of the northernof the northern region, region, the ancient the ancient settlements settlements in the Songhua in the Songhua River Basin River reached Basin an Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13 unprecedentedreachedthe invasion an unprecedented state of foreign of prosperity. nations, state of a In largeprosperity. addition, number In in of addi order settlementstion, to strengthenin order integrated to strengthen their their rule military and their resist andrule political theand invasionresist of foreignagendasthe invasion nations, to build of aforeign border large nations,forts number and a walled oflarge settlements number forts in daof integratedngeroussettlements terrain, theirintegrated such military as their the highlandsand military political and and political slopes, agendas to buildduringagendas border the fortsto Liao–Jin build and border walledperiod. forts forts and in walled dangerous forts in terrain,dangerous such terrain, as the such highlands as the highlands and slopes, and slopes, during the Liao–Jinduring period. the Liao–Jin period.

Figure 13. Elevation of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 13. Elevation of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 13. Elevation of the Liao–Jin period.

Figure 14. Aspect of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 14. Aspect of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 14. Aspect of the Liao–Jin period.

Figure 15. Slope of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 15. Slope of the Liao–Jin period. Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13

the invasion of foreign nations, a large number of settlements integrated their military and political agendas to build border forts and walled forts in dangerous terrain, such as the highlands and slopes, during the Liao–Jin period.

Figure 13. Elevation of the Liao–Jin period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 9 of 12 Figure 14. Aspect of the Liao–Jin period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13 Figure 15. Slope of the Liao–Jin period. Figure 15. Slope of the Liao–Jin period.

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEWFigure 16. Buffer of the Liao–Jin period. 10 of 13 Figure 16. Buffer of the Liao–Jin period. 4. Results and Discussion 4. Results and Discussion Ascan be seen from the analysis above, the fishing and hunting ethnic groups in the Han–Wei period ushered in the first climax of the development of settlements in the Sanjiang Plain. After a period of fracture, the establishment of the Bohai States ushered in the second climax of settlement development in the West Songhua River. During the Liao–Jin period, large-scale settlements were built on the vast plain formed by confluence of the Songhua River, West Songhua River, and Nen River (Figure 17). Due to the complicated ethnic composition, frequent wars, and the harsh natural environment of the Songhua River Basin, the temporal–spatial distribution of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin lagged behind that of the central plain. Under the influence of many factors such as different politics and cultural ideologies, each period presented the characteristics of Figure 16. Buffer of the Liao–Jin period. weak continuity at the time level, regional differences at the space level, and discontinuous transition in development.4. Results and Discussion

Figure 17. Schematic diagram of settlement development direction in each period.

Ascan be seen from the analysis above, the fishing and hunting ethnic groups in the Han–Wei period ushered in the first climax of the development of settlements in the Sanjiang Plain. After a period of fracture, the establishment of the Bohai States ushered in the second climax of settlement development in the West Songhua River. During the Liao–Jin period, large-scale settlements were built on the vast plain formed by confluence of the Songhua River, West Songhua River, and Nen River (Figure 17). Due to the complicated ethnic composition, frequent wars, and the harsh natural environment of the Songhua River Basin, the temporal–spatial distribution of ancient settlements in

the Songhua River Basin lagged behind that of the central plain. Under the influence of many factors Figure 17. Schematic diagram of settlement development direction in each period. such as different politicsFigure 17. and Schematic cultural diagram ideologies, of settlement each development period presented direction in the each characteristics period. of weak continuity at the time level, regional differences at the space level, and discontinuous transition in Ascan be seen from the analysis above, the fishing and hunting ethnic groups in the Han–Wei development. period ushered in the first climax of the development of settlements in the Sanjiang Plain. After a Theperiod elevation, of fracture, slope, the establishmentslope direction, of the and Bohai buff Stateser zone ushered of inancient the second settlements climax of insettlement these three development in the West Songhua River. During the Liao–Jin period, large-scale settlements were periods were statistically analyzed in GIS. Settlement locations in different periods were all selected built on the vast plain formed by confluence of the Songhua River, West Songhua River, and Nen in theRiver range (Figure below 17). 300 Due m toin the elevation, complicated and ethnic the upwardcomposition, slope freque aspectnt wars, of site and selection the harsh innatural different periodsenvironment was mainly of athe sunny Songhua slope. River Even Basin, in the the case temporal of a –spatialnorthwest distribution direction, of theancient slope settlements was gentle in and similarthe to Songhua the geographical River Basin location lagged behind of a flat that slope, of the which central reflected plain. Under the limitationthe influence factors of many of thefactors natural environmentsuch as differentand production politics and mode cultural for ideologies, settlement each selection.period presented In terms the characteristicsof slope selection, of weak the settlementscontinuity in different at the time periods level, regionalwere rarely differences locate dat on the steep space slopes level, and(Figure discontinuous 18). During transition the Han–Wei in and Tang–Bohaidevelopment. periods, when hunting and gathering were the main modes of production, the The elevation, slope, slope direction, and buffer zone of ancient settlements in these three periods were statistically analyzed in GIS. Settlement locations in different periods were all selected in the range below 300 m in elevation, and the upward slope aspect of site selection in different periods was mainly a sunny slope. Even in the case of a northwest direction, the slope was gentle and similar to the geographical location of a flat slope, which reflected the limitation factors of the natural environment and production mode for settlement selection. In terms of slope selection, the settlements in different periods were rarely located on steep slopes (Figure 18). During the Han–Wei and Tang–Bohai periods, when hunting and gathering were the main modes of production, the Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 10 of 12

The elevation, slope, slope direction, and buffer zone of ancient settlements in these three periods were statistically analyzed in GIS. Settlement locations in different periods were all selected in the range below 300 m in elevation, and the upward slope aspect of site selection in different periods was mainly a sunny slope. Even in the case of a northwest direction, the slope was gentle and similar to the geographical location of a flat slope, which reflected the limitation factors of the natural environment and production mode for settlement selection. In terms of slope selection, the settlements in different periodsSustainability were 2019 rarely, 11, x FOR located PEER on REVIEW steep slopes (Figure 18). During the Han–Wei and Tang–Bohai periods, 11 of 13 when hunting and gathering were the main modes of production, the settlements were distributed insettlements large proportions were distributed in the plains, in hills,large andproportion small undulatings in the mountains.plains, hills, However, and small in theundulating Liao–Jin period,mountains. because However, nomadic in the culture Liao–Jin was theperiod, dominant because cultural nomadic form, culture the tendency was the todominant settle on cultural gentle terrainform, the was tendency more obvious. to settle Most on gentle of the terrain urban was sites mo werere obvious. located inMost the alluvialof the urban and diluvialsites were plain located at a lowSustainabilityin the elevation, alluvial 2019 , evenand11, x FORdiluvial though PEER plain theREVIEW few at urbana low siteselevatio at then, even edge though of the terrain the few were urban usually sites militarilyat the edge 11 of and 13of politicallythe terrainintegrated were usually settlements. militarily and politically integrated settlements. settlements were distributed in large proportions in the plains, hills, and small undulating mountains.400 However,363 in the Liao–Jin period, because nomadic culture was the dominant cultural form, the tendency to settle on gentle terrain was more obvious. Most of the urban sites were located in the300 alluvial and diluvial plain at a low elevation, even though the few urban sites at the edge of the terrain were usually militarily and politically integrated settlements. 200 160 119 81 400100 363 36 24 39 23 24 10 7 12 4 3 110 2 3000 0-0.42 0.43-1.09 1.10-1.93 1.94-2.87 2.88-3.91 3.92-5.11 200 160 119 Han-Wei Tang-Bohai Liao-Jin 81 100 36 39 24 23 24 10 12 Figure 18. Aspect statistics of settlements7 in different4 periods.3 110 2 0 Figure 18. Aspect statistics of settlements in different periods. The analysis0-0.42 of a main 0.43-1.09 river buffer of 1.10-1.93 10 km shows 1. (Figure94-2.87 19) that 2.88-3.91 settlements 3.92-5.11 dominated by a nomadic culture had a great demand600 Han-Wei for a relativelyTang-Bohai stable waterLiao-Jin system, and that urban sites were mostly close to the large open main water system around the basin. Settlements with only collection 138 and farming as production methods400 were mostly located in the hilly regions with abundant resources and near the small tributariesFigure 18. of Aspect the alluvial statistics plain. of settlements in different periods. 200 245 344 51 87 6000 44 Han-Wei Tang-Bohai Liao-Jin 400 138 the buffer zone outside10km

200 the buffer zone in245 10km 344 51 0 44 87 Han-WeiFigure 19. Tang-BohaiBuffer statistics. Liao-Jin the buffer zone outside10km The analysis of a main river buffer of 10 km shows (Figure 19) that settlements dominated by a nomadic culture had a great demand forthe abuffer relatively zone in stable 10km water system, and that urban sites were mostly close to the large open main water system around the basin. Settlements with only collection Figure 19. Buffer statistics. and farming as production methods wereFigure mostly 19. Buffer located statistics. in the hilly regions with abundant resources 5.and Conclusions near the small tributaries of the alluvial plain. The analysis of a main river buffer of 10 km shows (Figure 19) that settlements dominated by a nomadic5. ConclusionsIn this culture study, had the a great GIS databasedemand for of ancienta relatively settlement stable water sites system, in the Songhua and that Riverurban Basinsites were was constructed, and a temporal–spatial distribution dynamic superposition map was drawn to visualize mostlyIn closethis study,to the largethe GIS open database main water of ancient system settlementaround the sitesbasin. in Settlements the Songhua with River only Basin collection was the historical distribution information of ancient settlements in this region. The map helped to construct andconstructed, farming asand production a temporal–spatial methods weredistribution mostly dynamiclocated in superposition the hilly regions map with was abundant drawn to resources visualize andthe historicalnear the small distribution tributaries information of the alluvial of ancien plain. t settlements in this region. The map helped to construct the historical context of settlement development in northeast China and to some extent 5.improve Conclusions the perception of the development of ancient Chinese traditional settlements. The temporal– spatialIn distributionthis study, therules GIS of ancientdatabase settlements of ancient in settlement the Songhua sites River in the Basin Songhua were sortedRiver Basinout by was Big constructed,Data Analysis, and which a temporal–spatial indicated that distribution the developm dynamicent of superpositionancient settlements map was in thedrawn Songhua to visualize River theBasin historical experienced distribution peaks of information settlement constructionof ancient settlements formed by differentin this region. cultural The groups map duringhelped theto constructthree periods the historicalof Han–Wei, context Tang–Bohai, of settlement and Liao–Jin.development This inshows northeast that the China development and to some of ancient extent improvesettlements the in perception the Songhua of the River development Basin was ofvery anci diffenterent Chinese from traditional the development settlements. of the The center temporal– region spatialof Han distributionculture, with rules weak of continuity ancient settlements at the time in level, the regionalSonghua differences River Basin at were the space sorted level, out asby well Big Dataas evolution Analysis, rules which and indicated characteristics that theof nontempodevelopmralent transitional of ancient settlementsdevelopment. in Thethe Songhuaancient history River Basin experienced peaks of settlement construction formed by different cultural groups during the three periods of Han–Wei, Tang–Bohai, and Liao–Jin. This shows that the development of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin was very different from the development of the center region of Han culture, with weak continuity at the time level, regional differences at the space level, as well as evolution rules and characteristics of nontemporal transitional development. The ancient history Sustainability 2019, 11, 932 11 of 12 the historical context of settlement development in northeast China and to some extent improve the perception of the development of ancient Chinese traditional settlements. The temporal–spatial distribution rules of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin were sorted out by Big Data Analysis, which indicated that the development of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin experienced peaks of settlement construction formed by different cultural groups during the three periods of Han–Wei, Tang–Bohai, and Liao–Jin. This shows that the development of ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin was very different from the development of the center region of Han culture, with weak continuity at the time level, regional differences at the space level, as well as evolution rules and characteristics of nontemporal transitional development. The ancient history and culture of the Songhua River Basin has formed its own unique geographical history and cultural system through the settlement and migration, confrontation and inclusion, absorption and exclusion of different cultural traditions, and the ancient settlements in this area appeared in various forms. Therefore, as a marginal area of Han culture, the ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin formed a complex development system with multiple threads interlaced, integrating openness, closure, and inclusiveness. In addition, GIS was used in this study to rationally study the development process of a certain region and analyze its temporal–spatial distribution and morphological characteristics. This is not only a supplement to archaeological information, but also a perfection of the research framework of historical heritage, thus enhancing the protection and utilization of regional cultural heritage. This study examined the regional cultural heritage of the Songhua River Basin and constructed a multidimensional geographic information database of the ancient settlements in the Songhua River Basin in terms of time process and spatial form. It can also be used as a basis for future research, using GIS and other quantitative analysis tools, drawing lessons from the foreign, cultural, and ecological protection area planning scientific methods, as well as from the perspective of inheritance and development of regional planning, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of regional heritage protection, urban construction, and economic development.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, J.D.; methodology, J.D.; software, M.Z.; validation, Y.G. and J.D.; formal analysis, investigation, M.Z.; resources, J.D.; data curation, M.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, M.Z.; writing—review and editing, J.D.; visualization, M.Z.; supervision, Y.G.; project administration, J.D.; funding acquisition, Y.G. Funding: This research was funded by “NSFC 51408166” and “NSFC 51878203”. Conflicts of Interest: The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

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