<p>As an important carrier of history and culture, traditional villages in the south of the Yangtze River face the dual challenges of energy consumption and cultural inheritance in the process of modernization. With the deepening of the low-carbon concept, it is particularly important to optimize the energy use of traditional villages and promote sustainable development. Based on wireless network positioning and image recognition technology, this study aims to explore how to effectively optimize the energy use of traditional villages in the South of the Yangtze River, while protecting and inherits their unique cultural characteristics. In this study, wireless network positioning technology was used to collect energy consumption data in villages, and image recognition technology was used for digital modeling and analysis of cultural heritage. Through the construction of energy management models, real-time monitoring and optimization are implemented to improve energy efficiency and ensure the protection of cultural heritage in the energy management process. The results of the study showed that after implementing the optimization, the village’s energy consumption was reduced and carbon emissions were reduced. Through digital means, the visual display of cultural heritage improves the sense of participation and awareness of tourists, and enhances the effect of cultural inheritance. Therefore, the energy optimization scheme based on wireless network positioning and image recognition not only effectively reduces the carbon footprint of traditional villages in Jiangnan, but also promotes the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, providing an effective model for the sustainable development of traditional villages.</p>