对于传统中国的社会空间生产，佛教是极重要的驱动力量。它与现代西方语境中的空间生产方式大不相同，较少权力和斗争意味。本课题对中国佛教最发达的江南地区在明清至民国时期与佛教有关的社会空间生产进行考察，通过因寺成镇、佛教香市的社会空间生产、佛教空间对地方公共事务的介入以及佛寺作为传统妇女生活的空间资源诸问题而展开。在综合运用历史地理文献考证、野外考察以及对前人成果合理集成的基础上，通过指标化手段，对上述诸类社会空间进行空间统计学分析，并与佛教生态学、佛教经济学和佛教社会学分析相结合，以揭示佛教对于形塑社会空间生产的模式、区域差异及时代变迁。这一研究立足于发掘中国本土文化的价值，切实推进中国宗教地理的研究，并促进对江南城市化过程、市场发育、女性地理等相关领域的探讨；同时希望通过国际合作，为推动地理学进步做出有中国内涵的科学贡献。其成果对当前和谐社会建设以及社会经济发展规划亦可提供切实的决策参考。

Abstract: Buddhism has been one of the most important driving forces for socio-spatial production in traditional Chinese society. Unlike the mode of spatial production in the Western context, there was less power struggle in the Chinese situation. This project investigates Buddhism-related socio-spatial production in Jiangnan area of South China- - - the most developed region- - -during Ming and Qing dynasties and the Republican era. It covers the following subjects: township formation based on temple locations, socio-spatial production of Buddhist temple markets, interference of public affairs with Buddhist space, and Buddhist temples as women's living space. Based on evidential study of literature in historical geography, field work, and synthesis of previous scholarship, we conduct spatial and statistical analysis of the subjects mentioned above by means of quantitative research. Combining the analyses from the perspectives of Buddhist ecology, Buddhist economics, and Buddhist sociology, we shall reveal the role of Buddhism in shaping the modes of socio-spatial production, regional variation, and temporal changes. Aming at rediscovering the value of indigenous Chinese culture, our project promotes further study of geography of Chinese religion in a substantial way and pushes forward the discussion about urbanization process in South China, market development, gender geography, etc. Meanwhile, we hope to advance geographical study by making scientific contributions with Chinese characteristics. The result of this project can also provide concrete advice for policy making regarding the construction of a harmonious society and the regeneration of traditional Chinese culture.