Selecting tree species for urban greening requires a good understanding of the performance of the species under different types of disturbances. However, information on performances of many species is still not available today. In this study, we used an extensive data set gathered through a systematic literature review to analyze the impacts of five major types of disturbances on urban tree species in China. Our results showed that there were distinctive spatial patterns of occurrences of these disturbances on urban trees. Urban trees in north China were mainly disturbed by low temperature, snow, and wind. In central China, low and high temperatures were major disturbances. Urban trees in south China suffered greatly from low temperature and wind. Pests and disease were reported more frequently in east China, where most cities are located. Of the 1010 taxa of trees reported over the 120 cities in the study—which included 723 taxa identified to the species level, 264 identified to the sub-species level, and 23 identified to the genus level—the impacts of these disturbances varied widely. We recommend that cities reduce or avoid the use of tree species that perform poorly under these disturbances.

As one of the globally significant agricultural cultural heritages, Longji Terraced Fields in Longsheng, Guangxi, China, attract numerous tourists. This study aims to describe the weather phenomena and climate change characteristics of Longji Terraced Fields in recent years to reveal their impact on the tourism economy. Utilizing meteorological station data and considering the actual situation in Longsheng, Guilin, the existing models for evaluating tourism climate comfort are improved. The tourism climate comfort of Longji Terraced Fields from 2002 to 2022 is discussed. The results show that the improved model can better reflect the local situation. The results show that the current Holiday Climate Index and Modified Climate Index for Tourism are not suitable for evaluating the Longji Terraces. Adjustments were made to these indices to account for the high annual precipitation and relative humidity of Longsheng. Combining extensive questionnaire surveys, it was found that the improved evaluation model better reflects tourists’ perceptions of climate comfort. Analysis indicates that when the modified model value is above 70, tourist satisfaction exceeds 80%. The most comfortable tourism periods for the Longji Terraces are August, September, and October, while the least comfortable periods are January, February, and March. This study helps to understand the seasonal variations in tourism climate comfort at Longji Terraced Fields and provides a scientific basis for local tourism industry responses to climate change, thereby increasing tourism revenue.

This study examines the climate adaptability of traditional Hani ‘Mushroom Houses’ located in the rice terrace region of Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. By analyzing 30 years of meteorological data, the study identifies the local climatic characteristics of high temperatures, high humidity, and significant diurnal temperature variations. The thermal comfort voting method was used to establish a quantitative relationship between the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index and residents’ subjective thermal perceptions, thereby assessing seasonal variations in thermal comfort. Field measurements of indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, and wind speed were conducted in May and December 2023 to evaluate thermal interactions between rooms. This study demonstrated: (1) the critical roles of building orientation (e.g., northwest-facing design), functional layout (e.g., multi-story zoning), and structural forms (e.g., thick walls, thatched roofs) in regulating temperature and humidity. (2) Confirmed that Hani ‘Mushroom Houses’ stabilize indoor environments through passive strategies, including material selection (wood, rammed earth), natural ventilation (cross-draft design), and spatial organization (climate-buffering storage layers). (3) Provided empirical evidence for optimizing traditional dwellings (e.g., enhanced insulation, ventilation improvements) and advancing sustainable practices in similar climatic regions.

The flower color of Michelia odora, an important landscape tree plant, shows significant ornamental value, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be further explored. The present work integrated metabolomic with transcriptomic analyses for elucidating the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanisms in light pink and deep pink M. odora flowers. Our metabolomic analysis identified 13 differentially expressed anthocyanins, 11 of which, especially cyanidins, were significantly accumulated within deep pink petals versus light pink ones. As revealed by our transcriptomic analysis, 33 differential genes were related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further, transcription factor genes, encompassing three MoMYB alongside two MobHLH genes, were likely the hub genes that modulated anthocyanin biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time PCR validation indicated that certain genes, like MoPAL, MoC4H, Mo4CL, MoCHS, MoCHI, MoUGT75C1, MoMYB3, MobHLH1, and MobHLH3, displayed concurrent expression with anthocyanin accumulation within deep pink petals. Collectively, these results indicate the role of anthocyanin accumulation in deep pink color, and the effect of upregulated genes on increasing anthocyanin levels. Our results shed novel light on color change mechanisms underlying M. odora, and provide a theoretical basis for flower breeding.