Page 61 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Tourist perception of calligraphic landscape

similar to that of painting and music, as it manifests artistic significant role in constructing symbolic urban spaces and
symbols used to accentuate the atmosphere of a scenic mediating tourists’ spatial perceptions.
spot, regulate the mood of tourists, and create an esthetic Calligraphy, as a traditional cultural landscape with
conception. The emergence of artistic conception implies distinctive Chinese characteristics, has been widely
that the objective scenery has become a symbol or token integrated into daily life, work, and leisure, shaping
of one’s subjective affections. Visitor descriptions note that significant cultural places in China. It also plays a crucial
through the guidance of the calligraphic landscape, visitors role in cultivating a unique sense of place. However, the
are more easily engaged in the mood depicted by literary symbolic meanings of calligraphy must be contextualized,
works, allowing for an immersive experience. At this time, as tourists’ perceptual preferences for calligraphic
real-life landscapes are transformed into imaginary scenery landscapes vary across different settings.
(Baihua & De Meyer, 2017). Whether tourists can devote
themselves to the mood of the calligraphic landscape is an This study offers three strategic recommendations
important indicator of their esthetic experiences (Jiang for designing calligraphic landscapes based on tourists’
et al., 2015). perceptions of their symbolic meanings. First, it is essential
to fully understand the perceived characteristics of tourists
In summary, the perceived dimensions of calligraphic when designing calligraphic landscapes and creating a
landscapes presented on social media mainly include place cultural atmosphere for scenic areas. The integration
recognition, geographic indications, heritage perception, of calligraphic landscape symbols, fingerprint symbols,
calligraphic appreciation, cultural symbols, and esthetic architectural symbols, street symbols, and commercial
guidance. Place recognition and geographic indications symbols should be done organically, considering the overall
are similar in function and are thus combined into the environment and atmosphere to avoid rigid copying.
same dimension of place recognition. The preferences Second, effectively highlighting local culture through
for perception in different contexts vary greatly, though calligraphic landscapes has proven to resonate with
cultural symbols remain common across different tourists’ perceptual experiences, enriching the symbolic
contexts. meanings of these landscapes. Third, in an era dominated
5. Discussion by popular culture, calligraphic landscape design should
embrace innovation in form and content to attract younger
This study utilizes social media texts as data sources, audiences, moving beyond traditional elitist esthetics to
employing text analysis methods, such as high- foster creativity, exploration, and innovation in artistic
frequency lexical analysis, semantic network analysis, concepts and practices.
and co-occurrence clustering visualization. It examines
tourists’ perceptions of calligraphic landscapes and their The research validates the feasibility of web text analysis
symbolic dimensions across different touristic contexts, in studying the symbolic meanings of cultural landscapes,
providing insights into the interplay between cultural enriching the theoretical outcomes of calligraphic landscape
symbolism and spatial perception in tourism. perception studies. By understanding the characteristics of
symbolic perception, further research can explore tourists’
Overall, calligraphic landscapes, centered around psychological reactions and behavioral intentions during
calligraphy, are vital tourism resources and key perceptual interactions with calligraphic landscapes, enhancing
elements for tourists. The rapid dissemination of their our understanding of the symbolic effects of these
symbolic meanings through mass media has enhanced landscapes. The variability in the representation of Chinese
public perception of tourism spaces and their symbolic calligraphic landscapes across different discursive contexts
significance. Furthermore, with the rise of online check-in highlights how unique cultural elements impact tourists’
behavior, calligraphic landscapes have developed new perceptions, emotional responses, and the overall cultural
esthetic-symbolic meanings among young tourists, and historical characteristics of a place. Theoretically, these
representing a digital embodiment of the sense of place. findings support the design of calligraphic landscapes and
Further research reveals that tourists’ perceptions the cultivation of cultural atmospheres in tourist areas.
of calligraphy primarily manifest in five aspects: place
identification, cultural symbolism, appreciation of 6. Conclusion
calligraphy, heritage value, and esthetic guidance. These Overall, the findings indicate that calligraphic landscapes
elements demonstrate the diversity and complexity of the are more than esthetic elements; they are potent symbols
symbolic meanings of calligraphic landscapes in the era of of culture and history, with social significance, influencing
popular culture. Calligraphic landscapes serve as crucial individual perceptions and collective memories.
tools for defining space and identifying places, playing a Integrating these symbolic landscapes into urban design

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3825