Analysis of Accessibility and Experience of Special Forces-Style Tourism: Taking Wuhan East Lake as an Example

This study examines spatial experiences and perceived accessibility among young participants in “Special Forces-style tourism,” a high-intensity, time-compressed travel style prevalent among Chinese youth. Using Wuhan East Lake Scenic Area as a case study, data from 150 valid questionnaires were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to explore relationships among behavioral patterns, spatial accessibility, and experience satisfaction. Results indicate that young tourists exhibit distinct behaviors, prioritizing efficiency, visual consumption, and frequent movement. Satisfaction with natural and cultural landscapes significantly predicted overall experience satisfaction, whereas clarity of internal signage and spatial accessibility had limited statistical influence, suggesting adaptive behaviors under tight schedules. Notably, external transportation convenience was negatively correlated with satisfaction, reflecting tensions between urban infrastructure and perceived crowding or time pressure. This research contributes to debates on youth travel behavior and urban tourism spatial design, highlighting the mediating role of perceived accessibility in high-intensity tourism experiences. The study calls for a nuanced understanding of youth-driven tourism patterns and for spatial strategies that respond to evolving behaviors.