## 2 Materials and Methods
### Characterization of the Study Area
#### 2.2.2 Cultural District Location: Gan Cultural and Hui Cultural Intermingling Area  
The Jiangxi-Anhui junction area lies at the intersection of two dominant cultures, Gan Culture and Hui Culture, making it a quintessential area of cultural fusion. Geographically, Jiangxi Province is surrounded by mountains to the east, west, and south, with the Yangtze River to the north, and is flanked by Fujian and Zhejiang to the east, two lakes to the west, and Guangdong to the south, while Anhui lies to the north. This unique geographic environment is characterized by its independence without isolation. It has been historically recognized as the \"three rivers enfold it like the front part of a garment, and the five lakes encircle it like a girdle. It controls the savage Jing area and connects Ou and Yue\", which has allowed it to maintain a dominant position in transportation since ancient times. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Jiangxi fell under the jurisdiction of the states of Wu, Chu, and Yue, leading to the emergence of distinct regional cultures in eastern, northern, and southern Jiangxi. These cultures gradually unified after the Han Dynasty, further shaped by various population migrations throughout subsequent dynasties, which contributed to the development of contemporary Gan culture. As noted by [PERSON] and [PERSON], \"The essence of 'Gan culture' is a subculture that emerged from the integration of foreign cultures into Jiangxi, with the traditional culture of the Central Plains serving as the foundation. This subculture evolved through convergence, fusion, modification, and innovation, influenced by Jiangxi's unique geographic context [29]. \"The Raozhou region, located in the northeast of Jiangxi, falls within the cultural sphere of Gan, centered around Hongzhou (present-day Nanchang).  
Historically, the Huizhou region encompassed \"six counties\", including She County, Xiuming County, Qimen County, Wuyuan County, Yi County, and Jixi County. Presently, it is located in southern Anhui Province, at the intersection of Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces. Surrounded by five major mountain ranges and their tributaries--Huangshan;Tianmu Mountaini; Baiji Mountaini; Wulong Mountaini; and Jiuhua Mountain--Huizhou forms a relatively isolated geographic unit. However, ancient water systems such as the Qingge River, Xin'an River, and Shuiyang River traversed these mountains, serving as vital transportation routes that facilitated cultural dissemination and exchange. Before the Qin and Han dynasties, the Huizhou area was inhabited by the Shan-Yue people, who were part of the nomadic farming culture of South Vietnam. Following the Eastern Han Dynasty, the migration of prominent families and individuals led to the gradual infiltration of Central Plains culture into the region. Over the ensuing millennia, \"the culture of the Central Plains significantly influenced Shan-Yue culture, fostering its refinement and elegance; while Shan-Yue culture also deeply permeated Central Plains culture, imparting a more robust character\", ultimately leading to the evolution of Hui culture into a distinct new cultural identity [30]. The culture of Anhui subsequently developed, forming a cultural circle that radiates from western Zhejiang, southern Anhui, and northeastern Jiangxi. The Jiangxi-Anhui border region serves as a significant confluence of the Gan Culture and Hui Culture, in addition to its geographical boundaries. The Hui Rao ancient road and waterways functioned as critical conduits for cultural exchange, facilitating interactions through trade, migration, and education. Traditional villages and dwellings act as vessels for this cultural interchange, reflecting the unique cultural landscape of the region.