More than a work of art: Exploring restorative experience in tourism at the Net Master’s Garden, Suzhou, China

A study on the Net Master’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Suzhou, China, reveals that classical gardens can serve as restorative environments for tourists beyond mere appreciation. The research identifies three distinct types of restorative experiences—salient sightseeing, immersive, and low restorative—each influenced by activities and landscape impressions. These experiences are characterized by dimensions such as 'fascination-compatibility,' 'being away,' and 'extent.' Notably, visitors engaging in leisure activities reported stronger restorative effects, suggesting that classical gardens play a significant role in pleasure-derived leisure, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings offer valuable insights for garden management and visitor experiences.

Sun, J., Cheng, X., & Zhao, C. (2023). More than a work of art: Exploring restorative experience in tourism at the Net Master’s Garden, Suzhou, China. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2023.2211817