Sensory Heritage Is Vital for Sustainable Cities: A Case Study of Soundscape and Smellscape at Wong Tai Sin

Sensory heritage is constituted by culturally valued practices, rituals, and everyday activities as experienced through all the senses. Hearing and smelling are our two most immersive and pervasive senses. While soundscape is a major field within urban studies, the contribution of smellscape to the design of sustainable cities is not fully appreciated. This study is part of Multimodal Hong Kong, a project that aims to document sensory cultural heritage across the city by capturing the complex interplay between soundscape, smellscape, and urban experiences. We investigated the multisensory environment at Wong Tai Sin in Hong Kong through measurements and perceptual ratings of the acoustic and olfactory environment at 197 locations within and around the temple compound, as well as conducting semi-structured ad hoc interviews with visitors on site (N = 54, 15015 words). Analysis reveals how sensory components influence environmental perception and people’s appreciation of the site’s cultural values. The study contributes to the growing body of research on sensory heritage, and underscores the importance of soundscape and smellscape to developing vibrant and inclusive cities. We discuss the implications for future policy recommendations aimed to preserve and promote the sensory heritage and inform sustainable urban design that prioritises cultural values, public health, and community well-being.