###### Abstract  
In this study, we used a complex network analysis to examine the accessibility features of changing road networks in historic urban areas. We aimed to discover the pattern of evolution after studying the accessibility of the road network in the Changsha historic urban area over four periods of time. The results were as follows: the layout of the urban road network shows repetitive cluster-parent-subsidiary development, which provides evidence of adaptive adjustment in urban road development; vulnerability has been kept low in the changing urban road network, while the spatial framework of the Changsha historic center is fixed; the evolving urban road network generally shows a deteriorating level of stability, which is largely affected by the shape of the network; the degree centrality (1877, 1.87%; 1917, 1.32%; 1987, 1.85%; 2021, 1.51%) of the urban road network shows a decreasing trend, meaning that the network is generally becoming more balanced in its evolution; and the accessibility of land plots currently used to preserve cultural relics and historic sites remains at a medium to low level, and improvements are needed for some plots. In analyzing the changing accessibility of urban roads in the historic center of Changsha city, two major problems for road renewal were identified: (1) unbalanced development of the urban space due to capital-based projects and (2) providing an appropriate increase in plot accessibility while putting equal emphasis on the protection of the spatial framework in the historic urban area. We conclude that a dynamic review of urban road network accessibility and its targeted optimization are of great significance for the protection and development of Changsha's historic urban area. complex network; urban road; network structure; accessibility; Changsha historic urban area +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
**Citation:** [PERSON]; [PERSON]; [PERSON]; [PERSON]; [PERSON] The Changsha Historic Urban Area: A Study on the Changing Accessibility of urban roads in the historic center of Changsha city, two major problems for road renewal were identified: (1) unbalanced development of the urban space due to capital-based projects and (2) providing an appropriate increase in plot accessibility while putting equal emphasis on the protection of the spatial framework in the historic urban area. We conclude that a dynamic review of urban road network accessibility and its targeted optimization are of great significance for the protection and development of Changsha's historic urban area. **Keywords:** complex network; urban road; network structure; accessibility; Changsha historic urban area  
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**[PERSON] issues. Considering that historic urban areas are usually the urban centers of cities, this problem is receiving more attention. It is widely understood that urban transportation is the major factor influencing economic activities. The accessibility of the transportation network determines how closely different areas within a city are connected to each other [4], optimizing the logistics system to avoid energy waste [5]. Proper space-human flow guidance helps to not only activate the economic and social value of the historical heritage but also enhances the diversity of tourism attractions, making the city more attractive to tourists [6]. Hence, the land value in the urban center will also increase. China attaches great importance to the protection of historic urban areas. In doing so, financing has become the key to protecting cultural relics. At the same time, cultural tourism is an integral part of the national economy. Therefore, well-organized transport guidance is key to the protection and development of relevant resources in cities.