Scenic Area Research Articles

The Impact of High-Standard Scenic Areas Construction on County-Level Carbon Emissions and Its Spatial Spillover Effects: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment

This study investigated for the first time the tourism–carbon emissions nexus based on the destination construction perspective, using the China’s national scenic areas (CNSA) construction as a vehicle for concretization. A multi-source county panel dataset of 29,628 samples was constructed. The staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) model and spatial DID model were further formulated. The findings show that: (1) the CNSA resulted in a 0.1024% reduction in carbon emission intensity (CEI) in treatment counties relative to non-treatment counties, and although the effect exhibits a delay, it persists and intensifies over time; (2) our heterogeneity results indicate that the inhibiting effect is significantly more pronounced in the western, eastern, and county subsamples; and (3) the spatial DID analysis reveals that the CNSA exerts a negative spatial spillover effect on CEI. This work enhances comprehension of the tourism–carbon emissions nexus, with implications for advancing regional carbon emission reduction policy strategies.

STRATEGIES FOR PRAGMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN THE TRANSLATION OF PUBLIC SIGNS AT ZHAOQING XINGHU NATIONAL PARK FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

As the only national 5A-level tourist attraction in Zhaoqing, the Xinghu National Park serves as a crucial window for cultural dissemination and city branding. This paper systematically analyzes the current state of Chinese-English translations of public signs at this scenic area, identifying issues such as spelling and grammar mistakes, and overly literal translations. These errors reduce the effectiveness of information transmission and weaken cross-cultural communication. To address this, based on the concept of high-quality development, this paper proposes a multi-layered strategy involving translation standardization, cross-cultural adaptation review, and professional training, aiming to enhance the international image and cultural outreach of the Xinghu National Park, and to serve as a reference for other tourist sites. KEYWORDS: Zhaoqing Xinghu National Park, Chinese-English translation, pragmatic failure, cross-cultural communication, translation norms

Spatiotemporal Information, Near-Field Perception, and Service for Tourists by Distributed Camera and BeiDou Positioning System in Mountainous Scenic Areas

The collaborative use of camera near-field sensors for monitoring the number and status of tourists is a crucial aspect of smart scenic spot management. This paper proposes a near-field perception technical system that achieves dynamic and accurate detection of tourist targets in mountainous scenic areas, addressing the challenges of real-time passive perception and safety management of tourists. The technical framework involves the following steps: Firstly, real-time video stream signals are collected from multiple cameras to create a distributed perception network. Then, the YOLOX network model is enhanced with the CBAM module and ASFF method to improve the dynamic recognition of preliminary tourist targets in complex scenes. Additionally, the BYTE target dynamic tracking algorithm is employed to address the issue of target occlusion in mountainous scenic areas, thereby enhancing the accuracy of model detection. Finally, the video target monocular spatial positioning algorithm is utilized to determine the actual geographic location of tourists based on the image coordinates. The algorithm was deployed in the Tianmeng Scenic Area of Yimeng Mountain in Shandong Province, and the results demonstrate that this technical system effectively assists in accurately perceiving and spatially positioning tourists in mountainous scenic spots. The system demonstrates an overall accuracy in tourist perception of over 90%, with spatial positioning errors less than 1.0 m and a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 1.14. This provides auxiliary technical support and effective data support for passive real-time dynamic precise perception and safety management of regional tourist targets in mountainous scenic areas with no/weak satellite navigation signals.

Resilient shuttle vehicle plan under route disruption scenarios and ticketing policies: a case study of the Qiandaohu archipelago scenic area, China

ABSTRACT Scenic areas in an archipelago context are often accessed with shuttle vehicles to transport tourists between different scenic spots. Vehicle routing and schedule planning could be challenging when route disruptions are considered frequent and fragile areas are protected and conserved. Transport provisions also affect the number, sequence and patterns of visited spots for each tourist, which in turn may not only impact the revenue of the scenic area but also on visitor satisfaction. This paper develops a mixed-integer programming model for this optimisation problem at scenic areas by considering two common ticketing policies: ‘all-inclusive policy’ and the ‘two-part tariff policy’. Experimental results based on the case study of Qiandaohu scenic area in China demonstrate that our method can obtain high-quality solutions for real-sized problems where some routes are disrupted. It is found that ticketing policies may have different impacts on shuttle vehicle planning. Under the all-inclusive policy, the shuttle vehicle planning maximises the total profit. Under the two-part tariff policy, however, the plan needs to maximise the profit to strike a balance between the operational cost and the number of spots visited by tourists. Our study may shed light on the effectiveness of shuttle vehicle planning and ticketing policy selection.

Comparative study of outdoor thermal comfort: Residents vs. tourists at Xi'an Ming Dynasty Ancient city wall scenic area

This study explores the thermal perceptions and comfort of residents and tourists at the Xi'an Ming Dynasty Ancient City Wall Scenic Area, addressing a gap in comparative outdoor thermal comfort studies in historical settings. Meteorological measurements and questionnaires collected between July 2019 and March 2021 analyze physical, individual, social, and psychological factors influencing thermal sensation, comfort, and acceptability across seasons. The RayMan model calculates Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), with data analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results show Neutral PET (NPET) values of 17.1 °C for residents and 18.6 °C for tourists, and Preferred PET (PPET) values of 18.4 °C and 20.8 °C, respectively. Thermal Acceptability Ranges (TAR) are 13.5 °C–26.7 °C for residents and 15 °C–24.1 °C for tourists. Whether the measurement space contains water sources significantly affects temperature and humidity, while vegetation impacts wind speed. Physical factors predominantly affect perceptions, with individual factors becoming more important for tourists in winter. The findings provide insights for optimizing the thermal environment in scenic open spaces to enhance the comfort of both residents and tourists.

The Impact of Social Environment Perception on Relative Deprivation among Residents in Rural Tourism Destinations

The sustainable development of rural tourism requires not only active participation from the government and enterprises but is also closely tied to the attitudes of local residents. This study, grounded in the theories of relative deprivation and social comparison, focuses on the residents living near the Jinshi Gorge Scenic Area in Shangluo City. We constructed a structural equation model to explore how residents’ perceptions of the social environment in rural tourism influence their sense of relative deprivation, enhance their happiness, and ultimately promote the sustainable development of rural tourism. The study’s findings reveal the following: (1) that demographic characteristics, including age, education level, and annual income, significantly influence residents’ perceptions of their social environment, particularly their sense of group identity, social support, and feelings of inequality. (2) Levels of relative deprivation vary significantly across different demographic groups. (3) There is a strong positive correlation between individual cognitive relative deprivation and individual emotional relative deprivation. Similarly, group cognitive relative deprivation positively predicts group emotional relative deprivation. (4) Experiences of discrimination, feelings of inequality, and strength of group identity emerge as significant predictors of both individual and group-level cognitive and emotional relative deprivation. (5) Social support has a significant negative effect on individual cognition, individual emotions, group cognition, and group emotional relative deprivation.

Evaluation of the Green Development Status in Mountainous Scenic Area Based on the Tourism Ecological Footprint Model

Evaluation of the Green Development Status in Mountainous Scenic Area Based on the Tourism Ecological Footprint Model

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation-Based Development System for Eco-Agricultural Tourism Resources

This manuscript outlines a systematic evaluation of agricultural eco-tourism resources, focusing on the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon scenic area. Employing fuzzy mathematics principles, we construct a comprehensive evaluation model to assess various dimensions of agro-ecotourism potential. The framework includes hierarchical levels (A, B1-B3, C1-C8) covering ecological resource value, environment condition, and tourism development. Using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, we determine indicator weights via expert assessments and statistical analyses. Notably, ecological resource value and environment quality emerge as pivotal criteria. The resulting comprehensive score of 82.875 suggests Grade IV suitability for eco-tourism development. Our findings support strategic planning and sustainable management, emphasizing the importance of ecological preservation amidst China's urbanization. Graphical representations and detailed steps provided enhance practicality for sustainable tourism researchers and practitioners.

Impact of Tourism Experience and Tourism Memory on the Revisit Intention: A Case Study of Tongling Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Jingxi City, China

This study revolves around the Tongling Grand Canyon Scenic Area of Jingxi City, China, regarding the effect of tourism experience and travel memory on revisit intention. Due to its lesser popularity, China’s domestic tourism is not flourishing. Tongling Grand Canyon’s study tries to find the answer to the problem. With the help of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, this research examines how various dimensions of tourism experiences, particularly enjoyment, socialisation, participation, learning, relaxation, escape and challenge, will influence tourists' desire to revisit. The moderating effect of travel memory on revisit intention is also explored. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 411 subjects in Guangxi province. Results of multiple linear regression analysis indicate that as travel memory positively affects revisit intention, its most significant contributor is enjoyment and sociability. The results provide insights into how tourism managers should promote domestic tourist destinations by prioritising their enjoyment and sociability dynamics.

Retraction Note: GIS positioning based on optical sensing detection and simulation of tourism route planning in rural tourism scenic areas

Retraction Note: GIS positioning based on optical sensing detection and simulation of tourism route planning in rural tourism scenic areas

The effects of resident-tourist interaction quality on residents’ pro-environmental behaviour through improved relationships: a combination of symmetric and asymmetric analysis

Cultivating residents’ pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) is crucial for tourism destinations to promote sustainable development. While residents’ PEBs has become a popular area of research, limited consideration has been given to whether and how interactions between residents and tourists influence residents’ PEBs, leaving this research domain underexplored. Based on self-determination theory and complexity theory, this research explores how social antecedents affect residents’ PEBs by conducting Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) analyses. An empirical survey was conducted among 535 residents of the West Lake Scenic Area, a major tourism destination in China. The PLS-SEM results demonstrated that high-quality resident-tourist interaction facilitated residents’ closeness with tourists and their attachment to the destination, which, in turn, contributed to residents’ active engagement in PEBs. The results from fsQCA indicated that relying exclusively on PLS-SEM may be insufficient for achieving a comprehensive understanding of the proposed research model. According to fsQCA, this study identified 11 distinct solutions that sufficiently explain high levels of residents’ PEBs, demonstrating how various antecedents work in unison to facilitate residents’ PEBs. This research concluded by proposing theoretical and practical implications of facilitating residents’ PEBs.

Enhancing the Capacity of Tourism Awareness Groups in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation at the Tanjung Batu Mangrove Ecotourism, Sekotong Tengah Village, West Lombok Regency

Mangrove Ecotourism in Tanjung Batu is one of the unique tourist attractions on Lombok Island, featuring a scenic 11-hectare mangrove area with dense vegetation coverage. The site is equipped with several facilities, including a 417-meter wooden bridge, several gazebos, selfie spots, a homestay, and a café. The ecotourism management is handled by the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) of Sekotong Tengah Village. This destination is quite popular, with no fewer than 300 tourists visiting each month. However, this area is prone to climate-related disaster risks such as tidal floods, strong winds, high waves, floods, and droughts. Additionally, the ecotourism management has mainly focused on physical aspects and lacks sufficient managerial skills for implementing a sustainable governance system. The proposed solution is to strengthen the Pokdarwis management to improve ecotourism governance, optimizing its potential to deliver greater social, economic, and environmental value while contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. The conclusion from the community service activity is that to address these challenges, the community is committed to preserving the mangrove ecosystem, preventing disturbances from both internal and external factors, and managing ecotourism in a way that benefits the surrounding community by reducing climate-related disaster risks. Priority activities include mangrove rehabilitation and enrichment, beach cleanup, monthly management meetings, semi-annual evaluations, and promptly developing plans to strengthen the fishermen's economy through involvement in marine tourism packages

Characteristics of Pinus hwangshanensis Rhizospheric Fungal Community along Huangshan Mountain's Elevation Gradients, China.

Elevation gradients strongly influence the diversity pattern of soil microorganisms. To date, many studies have elucidated the response of soil microbes to changes in elevation gradients. However, the effects of these gradients on the assembly mechanisms and network complexity of rhizospheric microbial communities remain underexplored. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study assessed the response of rhizospheric fungal communities of Pinus hwangshanensis along different elevation gradients in the Huangshan Mountain scenic area with regard to diversity, community composition, and assembly mechanisms using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in rhizospheric fungal community composition across three elevation gradients. The soil organic matter and pH were the most relevant factors influencing the changes in rhizospheric fungal community composition. The rhizospheric fungal diversity was significantly lower at both low and high elevations compared to the medium elevation. The rhizospheric fungal community assembly showed a more deterministic process at low and high elevations than at the medium elevation, indicating that stronger environmental filtering contributed to reduced fungal diversity at the extremes of the elevation gradient. In addition, rhizospheric pathogens, particularly Dermateaceae, acted as keystone taxa, diminishing the stability of co-occurrence networks at the medium elevation. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of rhizospheric fungal community patterns and their ecological functions along elevation gradients in mountainous regions.

Heritage as a development engine for people in nature: A case study of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China

This paper explores strategies to promote sustainable tourism for people living in natural areas through a case study implemented in the renowned World Natural Heritage Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a World Heritage Site inscribed for its natural values. The study is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program’s Chinese Pilot Studies. Various interventions, including understanding local values, revitalizing traditional handicrafts, and making culinary innovations, were implemented to enrich tourist experiences, empower local communities, and boost economic opportunities. Based on these interventions, this paper discusses community capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution as initiatives to enhance heritage conservation and promote sustainable tourism at the community level. On the level of the World Heritage property, a new management zone, the Traditional Eco-agricultural Heritage Zone, recognized the residency of the locals within the heritage site and fostered the harmonious co-existence of culture and nature. The successful integration of heritage conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism in Wulingyuan not only ensures the conservation of the site but also contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This case study offers a model for sustainable development of Natural World Heritage Sites, emphasizing the importance of respecting and involving diverse local communities.

Human impact on the scenic quality of coastal dunes: A study of the central Caribbean coast of Colombia

This paper provides a scenic assessment of 19 dune sites using the Dune Scenery Evaluation System (DSES). The DSES assesses values from a checklist of 18 physical and 8 human parameters and allows the calculation of a scenic evaluation index (D Value), which classifies D sites into five classes: Class I, usually natural areas of top scenic characteristics, to Class V, poor scenic dune areas with a greater impact of human interventions. Our findings reveal a predominance of coastal dune systems falling into middle to lower scenic quality classes (III, IV, and V), indicating considerable degradation due to intense human activities. Notably, these activities have adversely impacted the structural integrity and scenic value of these dunes, leading to a loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to natural hazards. This paper highlights the critical need for integrated coastal management strategies that balance conservation with sustainable development. Furthermore, our study proposes the enhancement of existing regulatory frameworks, community engagement in conservation efforts, and the implementation of ecological restoration projects aimed at reversing the degradation and restoring the ecological and scenic value of these vital landscapes. The findings underline the potential of using scenic quality as an ecological indicator to guide conservation and management practices, ensuring the preservation of coastal dunes, which are essential for ecological sustainability and local economic benefits. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex interactions within dune ecosystems but also sets a precedent for future research and policymaking in coastal zone management.

Research on the relationship among resource integration, shared value, and value creation in scenic areas

This study investigates the potential predictors of resource creation behaviours in the Shanxi merchant courtyard scenic areas based on resource dependence theory. The research was conducted in China using questionnaire survey, and data analysis employed structural equation modelling, including mediation and moderation effects. The model was tested using a sample of 376 individual managers from scenic areas. The results show that external resource integration, internal resource integration, and shared value significantly affect resource creation in scenic areas. The findings indicate that shared value plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between resource integration and resource creation, while environmental dynamism significantly moderates this relationship. This study clearly demonstrates the relationship among resource integration, shared value, and value creation in scenic areas. This research contributes to the tourism management literature by identifying gaps and offering a comprehensive perspective to understand resource creation behaviours in the tourism industry.

Predicting Daily Tourist Flow in Scenic Areas Using LSTM and Big Data from Baidu Index

Predicting Daily Tourist Flow in Scenic Areas Using LSTM and Big Data from Baidu Index

Spatial‐Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Linear Heritage Hiking Tourism Based on GPS Data Analysis: A Case Study of the Great Wall in Beijing, China

ABSTRACTHiking plays a significant role in experiencing linear heritage, and gaining insights into the spatiotemporal distribution of hikers' behavior is imperative for effectively utilizing heritage resources. This study employed GPS trajectory data to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of hiking behavior on the Great Wall in Beijing and investigate the utilization patterns of heritage resources in hiking tourism. The results revealed that: there were notable variations in trajectory quantity among different months with extended activity durations, early finishing times, and an absence of nighttime activities. Spatially, the trajectories exhibited dispersion and uneven distribution, leading to the underutilization of numerous heritage resources. The distribution of starting and ending points of trajectories demonstrated a substantial correlation with neighboring natural villages. Consequently, this study offers valuable insights for informing decision‐making processes related to the development, construction, and optimization of the scenic area along the Great Wall and the planning and design of tourist routes.

Research on the Strategy of Improving Tourist Satisfaction in the Zushan Scenic Area of Qinhuangdao

Research on the Strategy of Improving Tourist Satisfaction in the Zushan Scenic Area of Qinhuangdao

An Investigation into Tourists' Intentions to Participate in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wellness and Rehabilitation Tourism: Insights from In-Depth Interviews at the Luofu Mountain Tourist Area

This study aims to explore the flourishing of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) health and rehabilitation tourism in Chinese tourist attractions and the driving factors behind tourists' participation intentions, with a specific focus on Luofu Mountain. Firstly, by elucidating the background and value of TCM health tourism and the rationale for choosing Luofu Mountain as a case study, the core objective of this research is established: to identify the key factors that drive tourists to engage in this unique tourism experience, providing strategic references for scenic area management and industry upgrades. The research covers a wide range of topics, including tourist demand analysis and tourism product innovation, employing a combination of theoretical construction and empirical research. Multiple methods, such as in-depth interviews and quantitative surveys, are used to gain insights into tourists' motivations and experiences. The article is well-structured, with a highlight on using in-depth interviews to reveal the deep psychological factors influencing tourists' participation intentions and the seamless integration of theory and practice. In the literature review section, this paper systematically discusses the theoretical foundations of TCM health and rehabilitation tourism and the theoretical framework of tourists' participation intentions. It also compares domestic and international research progress to identify research gaps. By comparing Luofu Mountain with international cases, this study assesses its strengths and weaknesses, providing policy insights and improvement suggestions. Methodologically, the paper details a carefully designed sampling strategy and data collection and analysis processes, with particular attention to the data analysis and thematic analysis of in-depth interviews. Based on the case of Luofu Mountain, it reveals the behavioral patterns of tourists participating in TCM health tourism and extracts key strategies for product design and service enhancement. In the policy analysis chapter, the paper deconstructs the effects of current policies on Luofu Mountain, identifies areas for improvement, and proposes a tailored set of policy recommendations. Finally, it summarizes the main research findings, including key factors influencing tourist behavior and optimization measures, while reflecting on the study's limitations and suggesting future research paths.