EXPLORING GENDERED WALKING BEHAVIOR AND ENVIRONMENT PERCEPTION IN HERITAGE CITY: THE CASE OF GULANGYU, CHINA

Abstract

Gender differences in walking may manifest as disparities in walking behaviour and perception. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive study on walking behaviour between gender and their differences in the environment perception in Chinese heritage cities. Some Chinese heritage cities, like Gulangyu, China are car-free destinations where walking is an essential transportation mode. However, many previous studies suggest that women may be more inclined to fatigue due to intense walking or perceive a greater threat while walking. The inequality of gender in walking has led to the need for gender studies to receive more attention in Chinese heritage cities with car-free destinations. This study explores gender differences in walking behaviour and perception of Chinese heritage cities, intending to create a healthier and more comfortable walking environment for both males and females. Therefore, the data for this study were analyzed using SPSS software, employing ordered regression models and independent sample t-tests. The findings indicate that males are more likely to engage in walking behaviour than females, and they also rate the walking environment higher than females in Gulangyu, China. Moreover, males rated comfort higher than females. These results suggest disparities in walking behaviour and environmental perceptions between male and female walkers in Gulangyu, emphasizing increased attention to healthy walking behaviour and perceptions of females in Chinese heritage cities.