Multisensory Health and Well-Being of Chinese Classical Gardens: Insights from Humble Administrator’s Garden

Li Guo, Xueqian Gong, Yinan Li, Deshun Zhang (), Mohamed Elsadek, Jiayan Yun, Hassan Ahmad, Manqin Yao and Nian Li
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Li Guo: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xueqian Gong: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Yinan Li: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Deshun Zhang: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Mohamed Elsadek: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Jiayan Yun: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Hassan Ahmad: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Manqin Yao: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Nian Li: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: Chinese classical gardens serve as restorative environments that epitomize the essence of Chinese aesthetics. Despite their recognized Outstanding Universal Value, research on the multisensory experiences and associated well-being benefits they offer remains insufficiently explored. This study examines the Humble Administrator’s Garden through a multisensory framework incorporating visual, auditory, and tactile dimensions. By employing a mixed methods approach that integrates questionnaires and physiological measurements, we assessed the psychophysiological responses of 78 participants before and after entering the garden, as well as at distinct landscape points. Key findings reveal the following: (1) the traditional garden environment evoked significant positive perceptual effects; (2) the garden, with its diverse combination of landscape elements—including architecture, water features, rock formations, and plants—was strongly associated with enhanced well-being outcomes. A higher diversity of visual landscapes yielded more pronounced benefits, with water features exerting the most substantial positive influence on health, while rock formations showed a comparatively lesser effect; and (3) physiological and psychological responses of participants varied within the same landscape setting, with tactile experiences eliciting the most profound psychological changes. These findings underscore the pivotal role of multisensory engagement in Chinese classical gardens for fostering well-being, offering valuable health-related benefits beyond their cultural and ecological significance.

Keywords: Chinese classical garden; urban green spaces; Humble Administrator’s Garden; multisensory experience; health and well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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