Page 36 - JCAU-6-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Perception of pedestrian environment

3.1. Study area Hence, Gulangyu exemplifies the study of heritage

Gulangyu is situated in Xiamen (Figure 1), Fujian pedestrian environments. The value of studying the
Province, covering an area of 1.91 sqkm with a registered walking environment is enriched by the combination of
population of approximately 12.59 million. As a World community and tourism functions, distinctive geographic
Heritage Site, Gulangyu is an international community and ecological surroundings, and the presence of
with a rich history and culture, serving as both an urban pedestrian policies. The findings of this study have the
and tourist district. The island has a unique geographical potential to enhance the pedestrian infrastructure and
location, historically functioning as a pedestrian island, overall community well-being, while also promoting the
and this pedestrian characteristic remains a distinctive sustainable preservation and development of Gulangyu’s
feature. External transportation primarily relies on ferries, cultural heritage.
with three terminals in Gulangyu connected to terminals 3.2. Study method
in Xiamen City (Figure 2).
3.2.1. Questionnaire method
Gulangyu has been a walkable community from its
inception. Originally established to meet basic living needs, it The survey participants include residents who walk in
has now incorporated a tourism role. Residential and historic Gulangyu and tourists traveling to the island. Compared
buildings have taken on additional functions as tourist stores, with purposeful walking, residents’ environmental
restaurants, homestays, and museum attractions (Figure 3). perception may be closer to that of tourists. Purposeful
Conflicts between residential and tourism functional areas walkers may be more concerned with the quality and safety
and walking routes are possible, especially in areas of high of walking paths, while various factors may influence the
tourist activity. The inclusion of tourism functions also feelings of recreational walkers about their environment.
affects the environment of the heritage area. As people’s Therefore, this study chooses the residents who walk for
demand for visual, safety, and amenity environments leisure as the survey participants.
increases, it is essential to research whether a historical city The survey comprises three parts. The first part gathered
meets the needs of its current citizens. However, Gulangyu basic information about the respondents. The second part
historically surpasses most Chinese historical cities, both focused on the respondents’ overall perception of the
within and beyond its surroundings. It is renowned for its environment in Gulangyu, evaluated through a 5-point
diverse plants and animals, expansive green spaces, fresh air, Likert scale. The third part involved respondents rating
vibrant music culture, and proximity to the sea. specific environmental factors using a 5-point Likert scale.

Figure 1. The location of Gulangyu in Xiamen. Source: Google Maps, 2022

Volume 6 Issue 1 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1879