Leisure Activities and Leisure Skills of Urban Residents in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

This study identifies the characteristics of urban residents’ leisure activities and leisure skills from a 952 person sample in Hangzhou, China. The research documents, the frequency, and the categories of leisure activities in which the urban residents participate. The study also assesses their skills at those leisure activities. Four key findings emerged. First, residents generally had a low frequency of leisure activities, and these were mainly casual activities. Second, the respondents’ demographic characteristics influenced their participation. Third, leisure skills were generally low. Fourth, demographic characteristics were related to their leisure skills. These results affirmed the following points. First, the forms of leisure activities undertaken by residents were mainly static, and this may be a reflection of Chinese traditional culture. Second, residents felt they had low leisure skills and that many of the leisure activities they undertook were monotonous or boring. Third, people are facing more life pressures, especially in urban cities, but the influx of other people from different cities does add to the variety of the leisure culture. There are opportunities for those who manage civic life as well as tour operators to include more assisted leisure programs for Chinese tourists. Diversity and choices of new leisure activities, particularly some likely to appeal to those with more education are immediate areas for innovation and development as a means to improve overall life satisfaction in increasingly sophisticated cities such as Hangzhou.