Effective environmental interpretation at Chinese natural attractions: the need for an aesthetic approach

Guided tours employing an aesthetic approach, incorporating stories, art, and poetry, prove more effective for engaging Chinese tourists with natural landscapes compared to traditional cognitive or scientific interpretation methods. Research at China Danxia demonstrates that self-guided signage and information centers are largely ignored by visitors, while guided tours using figurative language, metaphorical descriptions, and emotional storytelling significantly enhance landscape appreciation. This aesthetic approach aligns better with Chinese cultural values and the significance of intangible heritage in landscape perception.

Xu, H., Cui, Q., Ballantyne, R., & Packer, J. (2013). Effective environmental interpretation at Chinese natural attractions: the need for an aesthetic approach. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(1), 117–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2012.681787