With the in-depth development of the Western Development Strategy and Rural Revitalization, the tourism industry has become an important economic sector to drive local development in northwestern minority areas of China. This study established a database of tourism resources in Longde county and analyzed the spatial pattern of these tourism resources by using the scale index and kernel density. From the perspective of the natural and social environment, this paper quantitatively discusses the influencing factors of the spatial pattern of tourism resources in the county based on a multiple linear regression model. The results showed that: (1) There were 2049 tourism resources distributed in Longde County, and building and facility resources were the most prevalent. (2) The hierarchical structure of tourism resources in the county showed a "pyramid" distribution, where excellent tourism resources accounted for 22.60% of the total resources. (3) The spatial pattern showed an agglomeration distribution, and the spatial differences of all kinds of resources were significant. The resources were mainly distributed in Chengguan Town and Wenbao Township. (4) Topographic conditions, convenient transportation, population density and water system distribution were important factors that affected the spatial pattern of tourism resources. It was suggested that the government issue corresponding policies to optimize the spatial pattern of tourism resources; balance the relationship between the exploitation of tourism resources, tourism development and local economy, and the social and ecological environment; and promote the sustainable development of tourism in the northwestern ethnic areas in China.
Keywords: China; ethnic areas; influencing factors; spatial pattern; tourism resources.