Research on impact of Urban Recreation trails soundscape perception on tourists' experience

The perception of soundscapes plays a crucial role in shaping the enjoyment and comfort of walking environments. This study investigates the influence of soundscapes on urban recreational trails, focusing on the "Calligraphy Greenway" in Taichung City. A questionnaire survey was administered to 253 visitors to examine their perceptions and preferences regarding soundscape characteristics. The findings revealed that both the type of sound source and sound pressure level significantly influenced soundscape evaluation. Specifically, sound source type polarization in preference evaluation had a pronounced effect on overall soundscape perception, with pleasant sound sources notably enhancing evaluation. Moreover, reducing sound pressure levels of sound events significantly improved soundscape perception in commercial landscapes. Human activity sounds positively shaped the environment, while construction noises had a negative impact. Activity-specific sounds enhanced interest, while noisy impressions were associated with preferences for human activity and music-related sounds, indicating a direct influence of sound preferences on perceptions. Positive soundscape perceptions enhanced visitor satisfaction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrates that soundscape perception positively influences the perception of architectural and facility landscapes, as well as the overall landscape space. Pleasant soundscapes significantly enhance the perception of landscape space. These findings provide valuable insights for designing effective soundscapes in urban greenways and recreational areas.