Abstract: Based on the 127 museums in Wuling Mountain area,the spatial distribution characteristics and the influential factors  are analyzed by kernel density estimation method and nearest neighbor index method.The results show that the spatial distribution of museums in this area is generally concentrated in the county administrative region.The number of the four major types of museums is relatively balanced,and each type has its respective region of high-density distribution.The museums include state-owned museums and non-graded museums.Non-graded museums also present a cluster distribution.The main factors affecting the spatial distribution of museums in this area include natural and cultural resources,economic development,transportation,tourism development  and population density.In order to optimize the space layout of museums in Wuling Mountain area,suggestions are put forward in terms of  developing resources,responding to market demand,innovating system and mechanism,exploiting the advantages of tourism industry and perfecting infrastructure.

Key words: museum, spatial distribution, distribution characteristics, influential factors, Wuling Mountain area