Restorative benefits of multisensory experiences in a classical Chinese garden compared to visual experiences only

This pilot study suggests that the restorative effects of classical Chinese gardens derive from the coherence of multisensory inputs, more fully experienced in real settings through visual and non-visual interactions. While multisensory coherence supports psychological benefits, disturbances such as noise and crowding can disrupt this harmony, weakening restorative outcomes. These exploratory findings offer initial guidance for the development of restorative virtual environments and the management of heritage sites, while underscoring the need for larger-scale and more immersive studies.