Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement


Publications

The Role of Psychological-Physical-Physiological Factors in Decision-Making Behavior in Disasters: Insights from an Experimental Study in Gulangyu

2025 — Article — WHE85909D0A61

A novel quantitative approach reveals that the proportion of sky elements and interactions among plant-building, building-sky, building-other, sky-sign, and sky-road elements significantly influence risk decision-making behavior (RDMB) in disaster scenarios. Video-based simulations effectively immerse participants, while eye-tracking technology demonstrates that buildings and signs attract the most visual attention, increasing environmental complexity. This study highlights the impact of streetscape features on RDMB, offering a human-centered perspective to enhance resilience and emergency response strategies in heritage tourism destinations like Gulangyu.

The Development of Bed and Breakfast Industry in Gulangyu Island: A Cultural Anthropology Perspective

2024 — Book chapter — WHEB52A48F579

A rapid expansion of the bed and breakfast (B&B) industry on Gulangyu Island reflects shifting cultural practices and economic behaviors among tourists and locals. Unlike previous studies that focused solely on tourism or economics, this research employs cultural anthropology to analyze how B&Bs integrate into the island's heritage community, particularly under pandemic conditions. By examining social interactions, spatial adaptations, and symbolic meanings tied to accommodation choices, the study reveals how B&Bs serve as microcosms of cultural negotiation between preservation and modernization. These insights offer a nuanced framework for balancing heritage conservation with contemporary hospitality development in international settlements.

Evaluation of Walkability on Gulangyu Based on Residents' Perceptions

2023 — Article — WHE7E0FD6A67C

Residents' perceptions of landscape factors significantly influence walking behavior on Gulangyu, a car-free historic international settlement. The study found that function is the strongest predictor of purposeful walking, while recreational walkers are influenced by a combination of function, safety, comfort, aesthetics, and pleasantness. Using descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression analysis, researchers identified key landscape elements that enhance walkability, providing a basis for improving pedestrian-friendly environments in heritage sites.

Exploring Gendered Walking Behavior and Environment Perception in Heritage City: The Case of Gulangyu, China

2023 — Article — WHE8B5CB3DC5E

A study on gender differences in walking behavior and environmental perception in Gulangyu, China—a car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site—reveals significant disparities between male and female walkers. Males were found to engage more frequently in walking behaviors and rated the walking environment higher than females, including perceptions of comfort. The research used ordered regression models and independent sample t-tests to analyze data, highlighting the need for greater attention to healthy walking behavior and environmental perceptions for women in Chinese heritage cities. This finding underscores the importance of designing inclusive urban spaces that cater to diverse needs and experiences.

Visual Preference Analysis and Planning Responses Based on Street View Images: A Case Study of Gulangyu Island, China

2022 — Article — WHE10F14CC8A2

Tourists' visual preferences for street environments on Gulangyu Island, China, are significantly influenced by specific features such as variety, green view index, crowdedness, sky openness, and enclosure. Variety has the strongest positive impact, while crowdedness has the most substantial negative effect. The study used street view images and a stated preference survey to analyze these preferences, revealing that streets with high visual utility typically feature an ideal natural environment, spacious roads, open skies, and limited architecture. Additionally, there is a balance between green view and enclosure, where excessive enclosure reduces the positive impact of green views.

A Study on Psychological Evaluation of Street Space and Composition of Indication Elements on Gulangyu Island and Xiamen Island in Xiamen City

2021 — Article — WHE5D3CFA3251

Psychological evaluation experiments and indication method studies reveal distinct characteristics of street space on Gulangyu Island and Xiamen Island, both part of the UNESCO-listed Kulangsu Historic International Settlement. The research quantifies how spatial composition and visual elements influence perception, offering insights into urban design and heritage preservation. By analyzing responses to street environments, the study identifies key factors that shape public experience in these culturally significant areas.

Spatial evolution path of Gulangyu Island historical international community: from the perspective of actor-network theory

2021 — Article — WHEDD20FCAEA6

Gulangyu Island's transformation from a traditional Minnan community to a multicultural international settlement was driven by shifting key actors and their network dynamics. Research applying actor-network theory reveals that foreign nationals (1840–1902) and returning overseas Chinese (1903–1940) acted as pivotal agents, reshaping the island's spatial evolution through administrative influence and cultural integration practices. The study highlights how these actors' roles in governance and community management fostered a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, setting a precedent for multicultural coexistence. By analyzing historical maps and geographic data, the research offers insights into the island's development, providing a model for other coastal cities to promote sustainable, culturally diverse urbanization.

Spatial Evolution Path of Historical International Community from the Perspective of Actor Network: A Case Study of Gulangyu Island

2021 — Preprint — WHEDBD7CE2922

Gulangyu Island exemplifies the spatial evolution of an international community shaped by cultural diversity and modernization. The study reveals that the transformation from a traditional Minnan community to a multicultural hub was driven by key actors—foreign nationals during the foreign culture dissemination phase (1840–1902) and returning overseas Chinese during the multicultural integration phase (1903–1940). Actor network theory, combined with historical map analysis and geographic data integration, demonstrates how administrative recruitment and spatial practices facilitated this evolution. The findings offer insights for coastal cities aiming to develop islands while fostering multicultural integration in local communities.

Mediating effect on landscape experience in scenic area: a case study in Gulangyu Island, Xiamen City

2020 — Article — WHE8EFA389B74

Research on Kulangsu (Gulangyu) Island, Xiamen City, reveals significant mediating effects of service provision—particularly catering and recreational facilities—on the relationship between visual and auditory landscape perceptions. Catering experiences notably mediate between sculpture appreciation and auditory comfort (13.87%), while recreational facilities influence natural scenery perception and auditory harmony (15.64%). These findings underscore the integrated nature of sensory and psychological experiences in landsenses ecology, offering critical insights for scenic area planning, design, and management to enhance visitor satisfaction.

Toward a model of destination resident–environment relationship: the case of Gulangyu, China

2019 — Article — WHE67FFDB9FCE

A groundbreaking study on Gulangyu Island, Chinareveals that residents' environmentally responsible behavior and willingness to sacrifice for the environment are significantly influenced by destination environmental quality and eco-friendly reputation. The research demonstrates that both factors directly impact resident environmental identification and commitment, which in turn shape their behaviors. Notably, environmental identification and commitment fully mediate the effects of environmental quality on these outcomes, while partially mediating the influence of destination reputation. This suggests that fostering a strong sense of environmental belonging among residents is key to promoting sustainable practices in heritage destinations.

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