Wuyishan National Park’s natural landscapes, ecology, activities, and facilities enhance visitors' health and relationshipsThis Chinese study investigated the perceived health benefits for those who visit Wuyishan National Park. The park is a mountainous nature reserve and cultural heritage site in China that hosts more 15 million visitors each year. The researchers administered a questionnaire to determine which features of the park had positive impacts on visitors’ physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. This research then would identify how the park’s natural landscapes, ecological services, available activities, and facilities contributed to these positive health outcomes.
The questionnaire survey design collected demographic information about park visitors and visitors’ perceptions of how the park contributed to their well-being. The 302 participants ranged from less than 16 to more than 60 years old with 91 respondents identifying as students. Questions focused on three dimensions of the park experience: the natural landscape experience, ecological environment experience, and tourism service and facility experience. The researchers analyzed the questionnaire data quantitatively to establish statistical relationships between visitor experiences and health benefits.
The study data linked park visits to physical health recovery, mental health recovery, and social relationship enhancement. Convenient outdoor amenities that enhance moments of leisure had the most significant impact on physical health activity and mental health activity. Stimulating recreational facilities that promote physical activities had the greatest impact on social relationship improvement. For students and respondents age 17-28, convenient outdoor amenities that enhance moments of leisure had the biggest perceived effect on health. Urban residents who spent 2-3 days in the park perceived their visits had positive effects on their physical and psychological health and their ability to handle social relations. Participants also emphasized six features and sensory experiences that had positive effects on their park visits: (1) natural and floral scents (sense of smell), (2) transcendent sunrises, sunsets, and stars, (3) pleasing sunlight (sense of sight), (4) cool and temperate climate (sense of touch), (5) facilities that support physical activities, and (6) outdoor amenities that support leisure activities.
Overall, participants perceived that visiting the national park improved their health. The natural and floral scents, pleasant landscapes and light, a comfortable climate, stimulating physical activities, and leisure activities were key components of positive and healthy visitor experiences. At the same time, responses somewhat varied by age and occupation. Some patterns in the data suggest that national parks need adequate leisure and entertainment facilities to maximize their health benefits, especially for younger visitors. Likewise, the sensual nature of national parks—especially their sights and smells—contribute to positive visitor experiences, especially for older visitors. These findings support the health value of national parks and may suggest natural elements, activities, and facilities that potentially could improve the perceptions and benefits of other national parks beyond Wuyishan.
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