The aim of this paper is to narrow the gap between the theoretical findings from past studies and current open space development through evaluating the behavior pattern and landscape preferences of seniors in urban parks in China. Combining an on-site observational approach with a questionnaire, the research has taken place in two successful traditional comprehensive parks in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. The results for time, place, and activities were analyzed and depicted in figures. Design guidelines have been provided based on the analysis; new perspectives for further investigations have been pointed out for landscape architects and urban planners to carry on exploring the process of establishing a successful age-friendly outdoor space.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the potential health benefits of the natural environment for human well-being. Given the fast-paced nature of contemporary lifestyles, research into the use of virtual environments as a means to provide various seasonal landscapes has gained increasing importance. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different sensory modes on the preferences and therapeutic effects of virtual autumn landscapes on university campuses. Methods: In this study, 320 participants, with an average age of 21.11 years (±1.21 years), were exposed to virtual environments featuring autumn color landscapes and bare tree landscapes using visual, auditory, and combined conditions. A control group was included for comparison. Differences in participants’ physiological indicators (EEG, heart rate) and psychological measures (POMS, PANAS, SVS, ROS) were analyzed, with the use of the Holm correction (P < 0.05). Results: (1) Autumn virtual landscapes with color had a superior therapeutic effect. (2) There were significant differences in the therapeutic effects of different sensory modes within the same season’s landscape categories, suggesting that incorporating additional sensory dimensions may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, we recommend that when designing therapeutic environments, attention should be given to seasonal variations and the integration of various sensory modes to optimize therapeutic results.

Background: Forest bathing, as a form of natural therapy, has been increasingly recognized for its therapeutic effects on physiological and psychological health. National parks, as protected natural environments, provide ideal settings for such interventions, yet empirical studies conducted directly within these landscapes remain limited. Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of dynamic, static, and combined dynamic-static activities on the health outcomes of older adult populations of different genders, within a real national park environment. Methods: Seventy-two middle-aged and older adults (mean age 62.5 ± 7.22 years) were divided into four groups: combined dynamic-static, dynamic, static, and control. Physiological (EEG, HR, skin conductance, SBP, DBP) and psychological indicators (BPOMS, PRS) were measured. Results: The combined dynamic-static group showed the best overall improvements, particularly in positive emotions and blood pressure. The dynamic group excelled in diastolic pressure and perceived restoration, while the static group improved vitality and reduced fatigue. Males showed more physiological improvements, whereas females excelled in psychological restoration across all activities. Significance: Conducted in the ecologically rich Panda Valley of Shaanxi Province -a core area of the Giant Panda National Park-this study provides real- world evidence that national parks serve as effective therapeutic landscapes. It offers scientific justification for integrating nature-based therapies into public health strategies and enhancing the health value of national parks. Conclusion: Forest bathing activities within national parks can serve as a powerful natural therapy for promoting older adult health, tailored by activity type and gender.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution and the influencing factors of 579 cultural heritage sites along the Qin–Shu Ancient Road in Shaanxi Province, employing kernel density estimation, buffer analysis, and geographic detectors. Three key findings emerge: (1) The spatial pattern is characterized by a “line-belt-core” structure, with a belt-like aggregation along the Xi’an-Baoji-Hanzhong axis. Core concentrations are found in Xi’an (181 sites), Hanzhong (159 sites), and Ankang (122 sites), with secondary concentrations in Baoji (72 sites) and Shangluo (36 sites). The spatial distribution of heritage types—such as ancient road relics, traditional villages, historic architecture, cave temples and rock carvings, modern historic sites, and tomb complexes—is influenced by topography and human factors. (2) The spatiotemporal evolution occurs in three stages: “natural selection,” “technological breakthrough,” and “cultural adaptation.” It begins with linear valley distributions during the Prehistoric-Qin-Han period, expands through mountainous regions with plank-road engineering in the Wei-Jin-Sui-Tang period, and shifts towards settlements and tomb complexes from the Song to Qing dynasties, marking a transition from transport corridors to integrated cultural landscapes. (3) Natural factors—such as elevation, precipitation, slope, aspect, and proximity to hydrological networks—are the primary drivers, while anthropogenic factors, including ancient route alignment and regional GDP, have a secondary influence. Significant interactions were observed between elevation and aspect, elevation and precipitation, and between hydrological proximity, aspect, and precipitation. These findings offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance for heritage conservation planning and the development of regional cultural tourism along the Qin-Shu Ancient Road.

With the booming development of rural tourism, the users of rural environments are gradually becoming more diverse. Both tourists and villagers are the main appreciators of rural landscapes, but the cognitive similarities and differences in rural landscape between the two have not yet been explored. Therefore, taking Wangshang Village, located in Shaanxi Province, China as a case study, this research used a combination of quantitative analysis (eye-tracking technology) and qualitative analysis (semi-structured interviews) to compare and analyze the cognitive similarities and differences of rural landscapes between tourists and villagers. The experimental results showed that the cognitive similarities and differences in rural landscapes between tourists and villagers are mainly reflected in their level of cognition, observation methods, and key elements of focus. The reasons for cognitive differences are due to the different living backgrounds of the two groups of subjects, as well as their varying levels of familiarity, novelty, and personal needs towards rural landscapes. In conclusion, studying the cognitive differences between the two groups of participants, tourists and villagers, can help address the homogenization problem faced by rural landscapes. Meanwhile, the results of this study also provide theoretical guidance and methodological support for rural landscape design.

The core of the cultural services of ecosystems (CESs) is the spiritual connection between humans and nature, and participatory mapping from the stakeholder perspective is an effective method for perceiving and protecting hotspot CES areas. This study used participatory mapping combined with 184 interviews and questionnaires, completed on 10 December 2023, to investigate the perceptions of CESs in Taibai Mountain National Forest Park by different stakeholder groups; spatial and correlation analyses were used to comparatively analyze the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of CESs among different stakeholders, the influencing factors, and their spatial distribution patterns. The results show that (1) there is a positive correlation between the literacy level of external stakeholders and the perception of CESs, and there is no significant difference between the differences in the other demographic characteristics of stakeholders (gender, age, occupation, and literacy level) in the perception of CESs. (2) Different stakeholders have convergent perceptions of spiritual and religious values, cultural heritage values, educational values, and inspirational values, whereas there are greater differences in the perceptions of aesthetic values, ecological and recreational values, and local identity values. (3) Different stakeholders of the same CES are strongly correlated, and there is no correlation between spiritual and religious values and other values and no correlation between recreational and ecotourism values and educational and cultural heritage values; however, there is a correlation between all other subcultural services. It is important to fully identify and consider the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of different stakeholders in CESs to enhance the regional planning and scenic area service function in the study area.