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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Tourist perception of calligraphic landscape

tourists’ perceptions of calligraphic landscapes. Given their time, to collecting symbolic representations during their
expectations for the value of the heritage, tourists tend to visits (Wu & Dai, 2023).
focus on the originality of both the heritage itself and its Cultural symbolism reflects the way calligraphic
spatial environment. Second, specific connoisseur groups landscapes contribute to the cultural atmosphere. Visitors
place more emphasis on the value of the calligraphic works experience the landscape in a holistic way, combining
themselves. For ordinary tourists, however, the calligraphic their immediate perceptions with their knowledge and
landscape heritage functions as landscape elements or memories (Antrop, 2005). First, the combination of
architectural decorations, contributing to their perception calligraphic works and the green tiles and white walls in
of the cultural atmosphere and heritage of the historical the historic district creates a scene reminiscent of poetry,
site. Finally, cultural symbols embody the perception of the fulfilling tourists’ expectations and imaginations of the
cultural atmosphere, historical heritage, artistic activities, scenery of Jiangnan landscape as depicted in the literature.
and other non-material functions, shaping visitors’ In this context, calligraphy becomes a tool to enhance the
judgment of the value of the calligraphic landscape in a cultural atmosphere of the place. An analysis of tourist
tourist setting. posts reveals that tourists often photograph calligraphic

4.2.3. Perception of calligraphic landscape based on landscapes, captioning them with references to the Lanting
local culture Preface. Second, calligraphic landscapes are strategically
placed near major entrances and bridge passages,
The blue cluster category mainly focuses on words related correlating geographic locations with stories, legends, or
to historical figures and regional culture, such as “Lu historical events. This design deepens tourists’ memories of
Xun,” “Wang Xizhi,” “Shaoxing,” and “hometown.” These the sites and enriches their experiences (Figure 5). Finally,
words indicate that tourists’ perception of the calligraphic calligraphy serves as a reminder in various forms, such
landscape is often associated with specific historical figures as street signboards and store plaques, which invariably
and regional cultures. Further research reveals that the strengthens visitors’ perceptions of local characteristics.
core vocabulary in the blue cluster category is centered
around the Shaoxing calligraphic landscape. Shaoxing, Esthetic experience includes environmental esthetics
located in north-central Zhejiang province, China, is a and mood association. On the one hand, the calligraphic
renowned Chinese historical and cultural city, famous for landscape has a guiding role in shaping the landscape
its water town, bridge town, calligraphy town, and famous esthetic. When the content and artistic styles of the
scholars. Key attractions include Lanting Scenic Spot, the calligraphic works are harmonized with the landscape
hometown of Wang Xizhi, and the hometown of Lu Xun, features of the scenic area, they can prompt and guide the
which are important literary tourist destinations. In the overall scenic landscape’s esthetics. In scenic spots related
related texts, tourist perceptions of calligraphic landscapes to literary works, tourists are more inclined to follow the
can be categorized into three main dimensions: landmark order depicted in the poems.
and place identification, cultural symbols, and esthetic On the other hand, in the traditional Chinese view, any
experience. successful work of art elicits an emotional response that
matches the “soul” that informs or animates it (Antrop,
Calligraphic landscapes, as feature markers, help define
the boundaries of specific areas (Qi et al., 2013). These 2005; Baihua & De Meyer, 2017). As an environmental
element, the role of calligraphic landscapes is usually
characteristic calligraphic landscapes are commonly used
as signifiers and markers to attract tourists’ attention and
enhance their experience. Typically positioned at important A B
spatial nodes or significant geographical locations, they
serve as focal visual points with a high degree of prominence
and iconicity. In this context, tourists tend to focus less on
the artistic features of calligraphy and more on its easy
recognition and environmental coordination. These are the
main perceptual characteristics of calligraphic landscapes,
reflecting a preference for legible and consistent scenery
(Liu et al., 2019). As tourist attractions, calligraphic
landscapes play an essential role in creating scenic places
and establishing a sense of place. In addition, they serve as Figure 5. Calligraphic landscape in Shaoxing city. (A) Lanting scenic
area. Source: Photo by Shaoxing Culture and Tourism (available at https://
referent symbols that signify being present; thus, tourists’ mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Wm-tL6q4lR5H-CDfYNlNPA) (2024). (B) Tishan
behavior shifts from merely taking photos or noting the bridge. Source: Photo by Huang Ke (2024)

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 9 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3825