Key design elements and mechanisms for nature-based healing in China’s National Parks: insights from expert interviews

Abstract

Introduction: National parks are increasingly expected to promote public health; however, healing-oriented design guidance remains fragmented and often detached from ecological red lines and measurable outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the design elements consistently recognized as the key to enhancing nature-based healing effects; and (2) identify the priorities and bundling strategies among these elements and how can they be translated into actionable planning, design, and management recommendations, particularly in the Chinese context. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews (30–60 min) with 13 interdisciplinary experts involved in the national parks and near-natural landscapes in China. The transcripts were analyzed in NVivo using the six-phase thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke with a standardized codebook. Results: The following six themes emerged: (1) nature-based healing; (2) multisensory stimuli in the natural environment; (3) route rhythms; (4) management and operational strategies; (5) equity and needs for diversity; and (6) evidence base and outcomes evaluation. Discussion: This study contributes to an implementation-ready framework that links conservation limits to healing-oriented design and operations, and a scalable two-tier evaluation system. This advances practice by making restorative planning measurable, iterative, and accountable, helping managers translate multisensory and spatial rhythm insights into decisions that protect ecosystems while improving visitor wellbeing.