Soundscape of the West Lake Scenic Area with profound cultural background—a case study of Evening Bell Ringing in Jingci Temple, China

Research on the soundscape of Hangzhou's West Lake Cultural Landscape reveals that natural, cultural, and historic sounds significantly influence people's subjective experiences. The study, focusing on the Evening Bell Ringing at Jingci Temple, analyzed objective physical indices in winter and spring, combined with subjective evaluations from participants. Findings demonstrate a strong correlation between the soundscape and the local environment, history, and culture, emphasizing the importance of integrating these elements for a cohesive and meaningful auditory experience. This insight underscores the interplay between natural and cultural factors in shaping the perception of scenic areas.

Ge, J., Guo, M., & Yue, M. (2013). Soundscape of the West Lake Scenic Area with profound cultural background—a case study of Evening Bell Ringing in Jingci Temple, China. Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A, 14(3), 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.a1200159