The Role of Single Landscape Elements in Enhancing Landscape Aesthetics and the Sustainable Tourism Experience: A Case Study of Leisure Furniture

This study focuses on Xuanwu Lake Park and Purple Mountain National Forest Park in Nanjing to explore the impact of leisure furniture as a single landscape element on the visual landscape evaluation and sustainable tourism experience. In previous studies, researchers paid more attention to the overall beauty of landscape and its impact on tourists’ experiences, and there was a lack of studies on the role of a single landscape element (such as leisure furniture) in enhancing landscape beauty and tourists’ experiences. This study addresses gaps in the literature by isolating leisure furniture from other landscape elements in order to assess its unique contribution to aesthetic appeal and the various dimensions of a sustainable tourism experience, including sensory, emotional, cognitive, and operational aspects. Using Schmitt’s five-dimensional Strategic Experiential Model as the framework and combining the dual methods of visual assessments and visitor surveys, an assessment team consisting of 40 members was formed to evaluate the visual landscape of leisure furniture in two major scenic spots, and 492 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed to study the impact of leisure furniture on tourists’ experiences. The findings reveal that leisure furniture significantly enhances visitors’ aesthetic evaluations and sensory experiences at Xuanwu Lake National Forest Park. However, suboptimally designed leisure furniture at Purple Mountain National Forest Park negatively affects both the visual appeal and sensory experience of visitors. Nevertheless, in both locations, leisure furniture positively impacts emotional and operational experiences, highlighting its role in promoting relaxation and interaction among visitors. This study provides practical insights for landscape designers and urban planners regarding the importance of carefully designing and positioning leisure furniture to optimize aesthetic and experiential outcomes. It also provides certain enlightenment and insights for future exploration of the impacts of other landscape elements (such as vegetation, water, lighting, etc.) on visual landscape evaluations and visitors’ experiences.