Rural revitalization: sustainable strategy for the development of cultural landscape of traditional villages through optimized IPA approach

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to provide a decision-making basis for the development of a sustainability strategy by importance-performance analysis (IPA) methods. However, traditional and modified IPA methods do not accurately reveal the impact of the various dimensions of sustainable development (SD) on cultural landscape (CL). Based on the structural equation model (SEM), four main dimensions of SD were identified from the available data. This paper conducted an optimized IPA by building three SEMs based on importance, performance and the importance of four dimensions. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes the use of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and SEM to develop the CL characteristic index evaluation model to determine the load of each indicator of importance and performance, and the SD-based measurement model to further determine the weight of the sustainability of each indicator in importance and performance. Afterwards, proposed sustainable strategies to the corresponding index were obtained. Findings This study offers useful insights into the actual operation and theoretical aspects of the IPA method. Practical implications This study offers useful insights into the actual operation and theoretical aspects of the IPA method. This can solve the incongruous and uncertainty problem in the sustainable planning strategy, and the case study proves the feasibility of the IPA method combined with the influence of the structural equation. Social implications The research is conducive to acceptance by local people with regard to their preferences in the perspective of sustainable development. It provides a basis for the future use of the IPA method in a comprehensive way based on an administrative angle. Originality/value The case study proves the feasibility of the IPA method combined with the influence of the structural equation. This provides a basis for the future use of the IPA method in a comprehensive way based on an administrative angle.