Evaluation and Optimization of Restorative Environmental Perception of Treetop Trails: The Case of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Xiamen, China

Honglin Wu, Li Zhu (), Jiang Li, Ni Zhang, Yilin Sun, Yue Tang, Xiaokang Wang and Chuang Cheng
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Honglin Wu: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Li Zhu: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Jiang Li: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Ni Zhang: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Yilin Sun: Research Center of Chinese Village Culture, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Yue Tang: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Xiaokang Wang: Research Center of Chinese Village Culture, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Chuang Cheng: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-18

Abstract: A treetop trail is an elevated linear green open space that plays a key role in forming a scientifically rational urban space and meeting the growing leisure needs of the people. Taking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Xiamen, China as a case, and through 426 questionnaires, this study explores the dimensions of the perceived restorative environment components of greenway recreationists and impacts on behavioral intentions. The demographic factors lead us to the following three conclusions. First, from an age perspective, restorative environmental perceptions are strongest among those aged 60 and above and weakest among those aged 18–30. Second, in terms of place of permanent residence, local visitors have stronger restorative environmental perceptions than other city users. Third, in relation to the number of accompanying travelers, individuals who embark on solo journeys experience the most robust perception, while that diminishes as the count reaches three or more companions. A structural equation model (SEM) is used to present the quantitative relationship among avoidance motivation, treetop trail environmental quality, restorative environmental perception, place attachment, and loyalty. The results showed that users’ escape motivation has a direct and indirect positive correlation with restorative environmental perceptions, and environmental perceptions have a significant positive correlation with restorative environmental perceptions. Furthermore, their place attachment to the restorative nature of the treetop trails positively affected their loyalty. This study provides essential factors to consider when constructing treetop trails in high-density cities.

Keywords: treetop trails; restorative environmental perception; greenway; Mountains-to-Sea Trail; structural equation modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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