With the rapid growth of cultural heritage tourism, understanding visitor density is crucial for sustainable site management. This study examines how natural landscapes, artificial landscapes, and visitor perceptions influence visitor density at nature-based cultural heritage sites (NCHS) in China. Using kernel density analysis and the optimal parameter geographical detector (OPGD), we explore spatial heterogeneity and influencing factors. For visitor density, regression and spatial error models indicate that artificial landscapes exert the strongest influence, followed by natural landscapes, while perception variables have a lesser impact. XGBoost-SHAP analysis further confirms the importance of cultural heritage density in predicting visitor density. SHAP and OPGD analyses reveal interaction effects and threshold dynamics among key variables. Findings suggest that cultural heritage destinations integrating ancient trees, cooler climates, and dispersed natural perceptions enhance visitor appeal. These insights inform landscape planning and spatial strategies for optimizing visitor flow and improving heritage site management.

This study explores how windows with a green view might affect the mental health (i.e., depressive/anxiety symptoms) of home-isolated populations. An online survey was conducted among 508 adults isolated under government quarantine policies for COVID-19 emergency pandemic control between 10 and 20 January 2022 in Xi’an, China. Structural equation modeling was employed to identify the pathways from green view through windows to isolated people’s depressive/anxiety symptoms. The relative frequency of plant/water exposure through windows was associated with fewer depressive/anxiety symptoms. Home-isolated people during COVID-19 reported better mental health when they were exposed to more natural settings. These findings could inspire public health authorities to adopt nature-based solutions to mitigate the adverse mental health consequences of isolated populations during the pandemic.

Research on the surface texture of traditional Chinese garden rockeries focuses mainly on painting and photography, which significantly limits archeological research. This study proposes the use of a three-dimensional point cloud combined with a 3D printing method to obtain and analyze the surface texture of Chinese garden rockeries of different scales and sizes. Compared with traditional painting and photo recording methods, 3D point clouds can indiscriminately record the changes in surface roughness and texture of objects and are not affected by light and shadow interference. Simultaneously, modeling was conducted based on the scanning results of the 3D point cloud, and attempts were made to use 3D printing to print the models at different scales. To accurately restore the surface texture, this study used model segmentation combined with local structural reinforcement for printing and stitching large-volume models. Small-volume models were printed using integrated printing, and different materials were used for printing attempts. This study explored a new approach to heritage research regarding the recording and reproduction of the surface texture of rockeries through a combination of 3D point clouds and 3D printing, providing possibilities for heritage protection and sustainable research.

Numerous studies have confirmed the positive impacts of real forests in areas such as stress relief. However, not everyone can visit forests easily. Virtual technologies offer new ways of experiencing forests for people who are hindered by real-life conditions and provide researchers with a manageable mode of study. Recently, there has been an influx of relevant research; however, themes within the overall perspective of the field remain unclear. This study aimed to review the literature and provide an overview of the potential health benefits of virtual forests. Research themes were extracted, and a conceptual framework for the multidimensional effects of virtual forest exposure was proposed from a holistic perspective. We analyzed studies using descriptive analytical methods through the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases and snowball searches. In total, 58 studies were included. This review identified four themes and segments throughout the virtual forest exposure process: core elements, experiences, effects, and circulation. We propose a new conceptual framework for a holistic perspective that incorporates technological features that are specific to virtual environments and makes connections to real forests. Finally, perspectives for future research in virtual forest therapy and its practical implications are discussed.