Research on the spatiotemporal dynamics and the recreation spatial equity of China's nature reserves

Abstract Despite the importance of equitable and adequate supply of natural recreation services on human well‐being, limited research has investigated the spatial foundations and equity of natural recreation services. Nature reserves serve as key providers and destinations for natural recreation. Their spatial patterns and equity differences inform regional high‐quality ecotourism development strategies in China. This study applied analytic hierarchy process and Entropy weight method (AHP‐Entropy) to assess the spatial supply levels of nature reserves across various types and levels in municipal administrative units in China from 1990 to 2022, and visualized their spatiotemporal dynamic patterns. Then, using Local Moran's I and the improved two‐step floating catchment area method (2SFCA), this study revealed the recreation spatial equity of China's nature reserves across different travel scenarios. The results indicate the following: (1) The overall supply level of China's nature reserves improved steadily from 1990 to 2022, with increasing disparities among cities. While spatial patterns remained largely stable, regional imbalances gradually declined. (2) Spatial equity varied significantly across travel scenarios, generally improving with longer travel times and distances. Under short‐distance travel scenarios, spatial inequities are prominent. Under middle‐distance travel scenarios, spatial equity improves alongside emerging spatial agglomeration. Under long‐distance travel scenarios, the spatial pattern of equity continues to improve, further polarizing spatial agglomeration of spatial equity of accessibility. (3) As travel time increases, recreation spatial equity exhibits spatial agglomeration trends, which are shaped by both geographical context, whereby areas sharing similar natural or cultural geographical settings show comparable shifts in supply–demand relationships, and policy orientation, whereby regions receiving similar levels of infrastructure investment experience parallel changes in supply–demand dynamics. The results enhance our understanding of the spatial allocation and service efficiency of recreational resources in nature reserves, offering theoretical insights for high‐level conservation and efficient resource use in China.