Visitors’ perceptions of urban wilderness. A case study of Jiangyangfan Ecological Park in Hangzhou, China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128319
• Publication Date: 2024-03-29T16:46:34Z
• Authors: Yuan Chen; Steffen Nijhuis; Machiel van Dorst
• Keywords: Wilderness area

Numerous studies show the benefits of wilderness to humans and environment. Therefore, preserving developing areas within urban settings are crucial combat mitigate challenges like biodiversity decline resulting from urbanization. According previous studies, human-wilderness interactions can be contradictory, e.g., relaxing while feeling anxious insecure. How individuals perceive comprehend intentional wilderness, what dimensions contribute their perceptions, how these influence visitors' perceptions remain investigated. Selecting Jiangyangfan Ecological Park (Hangzhou, China) as a survey case, this research investigates if people intentionally incorporated designed various attributes shape perceptions. This study identified three that may wilderness; namely, cognitive landscape attributes, perceived environmental visitation experience. A mixed-method approach was employed using questionnaire, mental maps, behaviour observation diverse data sources assess comprehension dimensions. Results indicate high propensity visit park an wilderness. Our findings also revealed perceptual existence vegetation waterbodies encounters with wild animals, well experiences, satisfaction motivation for experiencing nature, significantly In contrast, prior knowledge experience-based cognition showed no significant on Moreover, plant diversity, water visibility, density emerged critical factors shaping These underscore importance considering on-site perception actual experience when assessing value acceptability areas. Future implications planning management were discussed.