Objective Village planning is an important basis for rural development in the territorial spatial planning system. At present, there are some problems in village planning such as imperfection of planning concept and method. Based on the theoretical and method system of landscape character assessment (LCA), this reasearch explore a method for identifying rural landscape character that conducive to village classification guidance.

Methods Aimed at village classification and guidance, this research adjusts the three-step procedure for identifying rural landscape character in an adaptive way. Specifically, in Step 1 (drawing of landscape character map), the research determines the research objectives and problems through preliminary analysis, conducts on-site research and data collection, to interpret and extract the key elements that drive the formation of landscape characters from the perspective of leylines and context. In addition, GIS is used to visualize and correct element factors classify and superimpose landscape characters from the perspective of nature and culture, and finally classify, partition and describe landscape characters. In general, the selection of element factors is based on the British landscape character identification system. In Step 2 (analyzing of information about landscape character map), the research analyzes the relationship between the number of landscape character types and the number of villages in the research area, the area proportion of a single landscape character type, and the area proportion of landscape character types in different regions, etc., to obtain such information as the relationship between regional landscape character and village distribution, characteristics of regional background resources, and the spatial distribution characteristics of different landscape character types. In Step 3 (formulating of countermeasures for protection and utilization of rural landscape), the research formulates different regional development pathways in combination with the analysis results of map information, the proportions of character types, and local resource endowment and relevant local policies. In the map formed by superposition, the proportions of several elements are included in each type of landscape character, to clearly show the interconnection between different types of villages and their surrounding environment.

Results Taking Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province as an example, this research maps and analyzes the rural landscape character in Jinyuan District. With landscape character area as classification basis, the research puts forward suggestions for the protection and utilization of rural landscape in Jinyuan District. The results show that Jinyuan District can be divided into the following several rural landscape character areas: the central low-altitude plain historical and cultural area, the central mid-altitude mountain agricultural and cultural area, the southwest mid-altitude mountain agricultural and cultural area, the southern low-altitude plain agricultural and cultural area, the northwest mid-altitude mountain military cultural area, and the northern low-altitude plain area. The rural landscape character in Jinyuan District is essentially the expression of the interaction between nature and culture. The village settlement characters are direct expressions and forest, farmlands, villages and low mountain plains significant expressions of the rural landscape character in Jinyuan District. Based on the above analysis, the research puts forward relevant protection and utilization strategies. According to the overall tourism policy of Jinyuan District, the central low-altitude plain historical and cultural area may, taking advantage of its accessible location and rich historical and cultural resources, develop tourism agriculture in combination with existing rich agricultural resources. According to local policy for village relocation and resettlement, the central mid-altitude mountain agricultural and cultural area may, in consideration of the hollowing-out of most villages therein and the development law and evolution trend of local villages, implement village resettlement and merging, clarify village classification, promote the construction of central villages, and attract social capital. In addition, investment should be made in rural construction and farmland conversion into woodland, and ecological conservation and forest resource conservation to protect and maintain the stability of forest ecosystems. The southwest mid-altitude mountain agricultural and cultural area may take advantage of the characteristics of mountain area to develop mountain agriculture and protect forest resources. The southern low-altitude plain agricultural and cultural area may carry forward traditional farming taking advantage of its agricultural background, introduce scientific and technological assistance, develop plain ecology and green agriculture, and promote the characteristic development of village and town agriculture. The northwest mid-altitude mountain military cultural area may, by virtue of the protective cultural tourism, develop nationally famous historical and cultural villages and other traditional villages, highlight military culture and the characteristics of mountain cave dwellings, and protects forest resources. The northern low-altitude plain area may drive the development of neighboring villages relying on urban resources.

Conclusion Rural landscape character assessment has a certain reference effect on the classification guidance, development intensity, and protection and utilization model of the countryside. In subsequent in-depth researches, the creation of village information database, the specification for rural composition elements, the method for identifying the LCA of individual villages, and the technical method and practical application path for cultural elements need to be further explored.