Perception of Native Waterscapes in China

1. Abstract
　　A focus group of Chinese young well-educated people was interviewed to show their perceptions of native waterscapes in China using 11 color photographs. As expected, they seemed to like all of these waterscapes; moreover, they represented the most preference for the waterscape in China's water county. Meanwhile, they preferred natural waterscapes in city green space,
A variety of factors, which contribute to influence the perception of waterscapes, are analyzed and discussed based on the characteristics of water and human. Findings of this study suggest that aesthetic value, naturalness, recreational value and safety are indicated to be the main aspects to influence people's preference of waterscapes. 　　　Although for this group, safety seems not a direct impact on preference, it becomes necessary factor when they consider the waterscapes of recreational activities. Gender, as one variable between interviewees, generally has no powerful influence except for some specific cases. It suggests that gender difference causes little distinction on perceptions of cultural waterscapes, while some differences occur in natural water landscapes, especially those with little recreational value.
　　This study also indicates that most of native waterscapes in China should be preserved and regenerated because of their sustainable value and native Chinese's preference.

Ying Zhou, Masters Dissertation　Department of Landscape　University of Sheffield　October 1st, 2004