Landscape preferences of hikers in Three Parallel Rivers Region and its adjacent regions by content analysis of user-generated photography

4.1.1 Landscape element frequency analysis

The remaining 4,511 effective sample photographs were analyzed using image content analysis methods, with the statistical results of the top 30 elements by frequency (Figure 3).

Figure 3

Frequency of landscape elements among hikers in the Three Parallel Rivers Region.

Hikers in the Three Parallel Rivers region showed a preference for natural landscapes, with natural landscape elements accounting for 62.67% of the preferred landscape elements, while cultural landscape elements made up 37.33%. The frequency of natural landscape elements was nearly twice that of cultural landscapes. Among these, woodlands, blue sky, mountain peaks, clouds and mist, snowy mountains, lakes, rocks, grasslands, rivers, and flowers ranked in the top 10 natural landscape elements. For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the proposed Appalachian Geopark, landscapes such as trails, rivers, and woodland forests were the most favored [20]. Likewise, on the Ninghai Trail, hikers showed a preference for elements such as common tree species, trail markers, mountain paths, continuous mountain ranges, hills, streams, open skies, and shrubbery [32].

The Three Parallel Rivers region ranks among the world’s most biodiverse areas, serving as a habitat for numerous rare and endemic plants and as one of the globally recognized type localities for botanical specimens. It is home to renowned wild flowers such as lilies, orchids, rhododendrons, primroses, gentians, Artemisia, Pedicularis, and irises. Notably, it stands as both the origin and the most significant geographic distribution center for the Rhododendron genus. The variety of trees and grasses form a distinctive vegetative landscape, acting as either the focal point or the backdrop, which is crucial for capturing unique photographs by hikers. The preference of hikers for forests and grasslands corresponds to some extent with the World Heritage values of the Three Parallel Rivers region. The results indicate that hikers’ landscape perceptions are closely tied to the weather, primarily reflected in the clear weather’s blue sky and the overcast weather’s rainy mist landscapes.

Mountain climbing is a preferred type of hiking activity, with conquering snow-capped mountains being a long-held dream for many hikers. In this process, mountain peaks and snowy mountains emerge as some of the most favored landscapes among tourists, becoming the most common and indispensable elements in photographs. Similarly, the fondness for lakes reflects the “affinity for water” of hiking enthusiasts. Rocks ranked highly among the landscape elements preferred by tourists. As one of the most common elements in mountainous areas, these rocks are ubiquitous yet each possesses its own unique features, such as the fractured limestone of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the internationally renowned marble of Cangshan, and the pebbles of various rivers.

Hikers ranked as the highest frequency element beyond natural landscape features, serving as a lateral reflection of the hiking mode of travel. Given that hiking tourism in China is still predominantly characterized by outings with friends or club groups, hikers thus hold a significant presence in the photographs captured by hikers. The signage system ranks sixth in terms of frequency. Various signs and markers play a critical role in facilitating smooth hiking experiences. Uploading photographs of these as markers to platforms serves as a memento and provides references for other hikers. Moreover, signage systems with ethnic or local characteristics offer a novel appeal to tourists, making them the sixth most preferred element among hikers. The frequent appearance of backpacks was mainly due to their status as essential equipment for hiking. Although cultural landscape elements may not be as popular as natural ones, their renown and precious value also attracts hikers from various places. Notable examples include the characteristic districts, specialty shops, and inns with local cultural features found in the region’s ancient cities and towns.

4.1.2 Landscape category analysis

By summarizing and refining the free nodes, i.e., landscape elements, extracted from the hiking tourism photographs in the Three Parallel Rivers region, their corresponding tree nodes, i.e., landscape categories, were identified (Table 1). Among the preferred landscape types of hikers in the Three Parallel Rivers region, the top three were vegetation landscape, geomorphological landscape, and meteorological landscape. This preference is partly due to the region’s unique natural environment and climatic conditions. On the other hand, it coincides with hikers’ desire to connect with and experience nature.

Tourism facilities ranked fourth, reflecting the broadening audience for hiking tourism in recent years from professional hikers to general tourists. This shift not only signifies a lower entry barrier into hiking but also represents an increasing demand and focus on hiking service facilities. Specifically, hikers are becoming more particular about the environment, hygiene, and amenities of hospitality facilities such as accommodations and dining. There is growing attention to the completeness and safety of functional service facilities such as signage systems, plank paths, and viewing platforms, as well as the accessibility and convenience of infrastructure like transportation. In the photographs taken by hikers in the Three Parallel Rivers region, outdoor equipment category frequencies accounted for 7.95%, ranking fifth, with elements such as backpacks, windbreakers, trekking poles, and hats being the most commonly used hiking gear.

Waterscape ranked sixth, with lakes accounting for more than half of this category. The Three Parallel Rivers region is rich in plateau lakes with stunning scenery, among which Erhai Lake is particularly favored. After lakes, rivers captured the spotlight. The region’s unique geological structure has created the river wonders of the Three Parallel Rivers, often presenting a perfect combination of canyons, rivers, and giant rocks, making it one of the most preferred landscapes among hikers (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Example hiking photographs in the Three Parallel Rivers Region.

In the human landscape category, hikers ranked seventh in terms of preference. However, hikers constitute the majority, indicating that their interest in themselves and their companions greatly exceeds their interest in local residents. By contrast, a study on landscape preferences in Peru found that travelers were more interested in the way the Peruvian people live. These depictions typically feature Peruvians dressed in modern clothing, along with scenes and environments from their daily lives [19]. Architectural and historical relic landscape overall did not rank highly, but many ancient towns within the region were beloved by hikers, with elements such as residential houses, characteristic districts, and distinctive architecture being particularly prominent. The Three Parallel Rivers area is a melting pot of various ethnic groups including the Naxi, Bai, Tibetan, and Lisu peoples, with a rich diversity of religious cultures coexisting. The frequency of ethnic and religious cultural landscape accounted for 2.21% of the preferences, showcasing a wide variety. The preference for pastoral landscape accounted for 0.85%, with a particular fondness for terraced fields, which constitute nearly a third of this category’s frequency. Among the landscape category preferences of hikers, animal landscape had the lowest frequency, only making up 0.64% of the preferences, with relatively fewer types, and primarily consisting of domestic animals such as mules, cows, and sheep.

Overall, hikers showed a far greater preference for natural landscapes over cultural ones, a finding corresponding to the Three Parallel Rivers region’s status as a World Natural Heritage site. This preference for natural landscapes over cultural ones is consistent with most studies, particularly in the context of hiking tourism [4,32]. While the ethnic cultures of the Three Parallel Rivers region are highly distinctive, hikers’ attention to ethnic cultural landscapes is far less than their attention to natural landscapes. Similarly, Wang Shoucheng et al. found that scenic spots with Tibetan cultural themes, such as Tibetan villages, attracted less attention from visitors to Jiuzhaigou compared to natural landscapes [22]. However, in areas rich in cultural or archaeological heritage, visitors tend to favor cultural landscapes. For instance, Payntar et al. found that in all UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and BTC (Boleo Turístico del Cuzco, a multi-site pass that grants access to 10 sites in and around Cuzco)-listed heritage sites, common landscapes include “archaeological excavations,” “ruins,” and “terraces.” Meanwhile, they also show interest in natural features such as “valleys” and “mountains” [17]. This suggests that while the cultural landscapes are undeniably significant to visitors, there is also a strong inclination to explore natural elements. Stepchenkova found that travelers tend to photograph archaeological ruins within natural environments, effectively portraying archaeological sites as part of the natural landscapes of Peru [19].

The pronounced preference for vegetation landscape and the richness of preferred landscape elements underscores the value of its biodiversity in the Three Parallel Rivers Region. Previous studies on national parks and national trails have also shown that visitors have a strong preference for vegetation, particularly forest landscapes, which significantly surpasses their preference for other types of landscapes [20,22]. The geomorphological landscape, dominated by elements such as mountain peaks, snowy mountains, and canyons, ranked second, reflecting the universal significance and unique aesthetics outlined in criteria (vii) and (ix). Criterion (viii) encompasses numerous geological relics, yet hiking photographs predominantly feature marble, with occasional appearances of karst landscapes like the Stone Moon, rarely touching upon geological relics. This may be attributed to several factors, including the low visual salience of geological features, the mismatch between interpretation facilities and hikers’ preferences, and a lack of interest and knowledge in geology among hikers. Geological features, such as stratified rock formations, fault lines, and fossil beds, typically lack the immediate visual appeal of more dramatic landscapes, such as forests, lakes, or mountains. Their significance often depends on scientific understanding rather than visual impact, and most hikers, lacking a geoscientific background, may not recognize or interpret these features even when they are present along hiking trails. Furthermore, most geological interpretation facilities such as signs, exhibits, and guided tours are located in developed scenic areas or national parks, which are often seen as overly commercialized or crowded. Hikers, seeking more pristine and natural environments, tend to avoid these areas, reducing their exposure to geological heritage [33]. Additionally, hiking is typically driven by goals of visual pleasure and physical challenge, such as reaching summits, enjoying panoramic views, or traversing rugged terrain. Despite the academic value of geological heritage, it does not align with these experiential goals and thus fails to capture hikers’ attention or become a focal point for photography. Correspondingly, Nakarmi et al. pointed out that despite the proposed Appalachian Geopark’s rich karst landscapes, such as caves and rock formations, respondents’ preferences for these features were relatively low. This could be due to the fact that these landscapes are considered secondary or peripheral, or because of limited promotion and public awareness of such features in the area. Therefore, more consultation and strategies should be developed to promote the karst landscapes in the region, as they represent a significant asset [20]. To address the generally low attention given to geological features by hikers in the Three Parallel Rivers area and its surrounding regions, it is essential to enhance the visibility and awareness of geological relics among hikers. One potential solution could be the introduction of low-impact, eco-friendly educational facilities and guidance services in undeveloped areas, integrating scientific communication into the natural experience.

Surprisingly, waterscapes were ranked only sixth, indicating that the value of rivers outlined in criterion (vii) is not as emphasized as geomorphological landscapes like mountain peaks. This contrasts with findings from studies on the Ninghai Trail, where hikers placed greater importance on water features. This preference may be attributed to the Ninghai Trail’s high level of development and its status as the most frequently used trail in China’s NTS trail system, with a well-designed and logically interconnected trail network [32]. The lower preference for waterscapes in the study area can also be explained through various interrelated factors. Many rivers in the Three Parallel Rivers region are situated in deep valleys, making them difficult to view clearly from the elevated trails that hikers typically follow. Furthermore, most hiking routes focus on high-elevation destinations such as mountain peaks and passes, rather than water-based landmarks. This spatial configuration limits the frequency and prominence of water features in hikers’ visual records. Waterscapes are often found alongside more visually striking features, such as canyons, cliffs, and large rock formations, which tend to dominate photographs, relegating rivers and lakes to background or supporting roles. Moreover, the optimal hiking season coincides with the dry season, when water levels are low, and river flow is reduced. This diminishes the visual appeal of the rivers. In contrast, features such as mountain peaks, meadows, and forests reach their aesthetic peak during this time, making them more visually compelling. Additionally, hikers typically avoid the rainy season due to safety concerns, such as landslides and flooding, which further limits their exposure to visually dynamic waterscapes.

4.2.1 Diqing

Statistical analysis revealed that geomorphological landscapes composed of snowy mountains, rocks, mountain peaks, and canyons ranked first, signifying the focal point of hikers’ perceptions in Diqing (Table 2). Tiger Leaping Gorge features a complex and diverse topography, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, limestone caves, cliffside carvings, and snowy mountains. Hikers’ focus on these awe-inspiring and majestic geomorphological landscapes highlights the Three Parallel Rivers region’s prominent biodiversity, scientific value, and aesthetic significance. It also reflects the spirit of exploration and adventure among hikers, as they navigate through sheer cliffs, descend into canyons, face the raging torrents, and climb snowy mountains (Figure 5).

Figure 5

Example hiking photographs in Diqing.

Hikers had a strong perception of vegetation landscapes, accounting for 18.29% of the preference, with forests dominated by coniferous trees being the most common and popular among photographers. Vegetation landscapes primarily consisting of forests and grasslands, along with geomorphological landscapes dominated by snowy mountains and mountain peaks, ranked high in frequency in the hiking photographs of this region. These elements are most representative of the natural landscapes of Diqing, such as the Meili Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, which are seldom accessible to hikers in their everyday urban life. The most common photographs featured a composite of snowy mountains, coniferous forests, and grasslands, illustrating the “exoticism” of hiking tourism. This shows that hikers prefer to embark on their activities in destinations with different geographical locations and diverse hiking resources.

Meteorological landscapes, including elements such as clouds and mist, blue skies, snowscapes, sunshine, and morning glows, accounted for 18.25% of the preferences, second only to vegetation landscapes. Unlike other regions, in Diqing, the frequency of clouds and mist appearing in hikers’ perceptions of meteorological landscapes was higher than that of clear blue skies, ranking second and third, respectively. This suggests that hikers do not always favor cloudless sunny weather; the mist-enshrouded Yubeng and Haba Snow Mountains are especially favored by hikers. The Meili Snow Mountain presents a majestic and spectacular visage under clear blue skies and clouds, while it takes on a mysteriously gentle appearance during overcast and rainy weather. Hikers extensively document both manifestations of the mountain with their cameras. The Golden Ray on Meili Snow Mountain is an incredibly beautiful natural wonder, visible only at specific times and from certain locations. Its remarkable beauty draws numerous hikers who come specifically to witness this spectacle.

Tourism facilities ranked fourth, accounting for 12.86% of preferences. Among hospitality facilities, inns were the most prominently perceived by hikers, with some even becoming “landmark buildings” for communication among hikers. This indicates that under the backdrop of a local inn culture formed through community participation, the majority of hikers opt for inns as their primary accommodation choice. Signage ranked as the highest frequency among functional service facilities, reflecting both the completeness of hiking service facilities in hiking destinations of Diqing and the local signs’ ethnic characteristics. For instance, many trail markers are made of wood and feature multilingual inscriptions, including Chinese and Tibetan, adorned with elements such as Mani stones and bright colors matching prayer flags in vivid yellow and blue. These signs not only serve to guide direction but also carry significant commemorative value. Prayer flags, symbolizing the Tibetan people’s prayers for blessings and disaster relief, are omnipresent along the journey. These elements are novel for hikers, thus becoming frequently captured elements in tourists’ photographs. Outdoor equipment’s frequency was three-quarters that of tourism facilities. While the variety of elements was not vast, essentials such as backpacks, trekking poles, and windbreakers held an indispensable position among hikers in Diqing. This is because destinations such as the Meili Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge have high demands on a hiker’s physical stamina and equipment, necessitating a well-prepared gear.

The landscape preference in Diqing is very similar to that of Wulingyuan, with the top three landscapes in both regions being geomorphological landscape, vegetation landscape, and meteorological landscape [23]. Geomorphological landscape ranked first in tourists’ photographs, as both regions boast distinctive landform features. Diqing is home to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, while Wulingyuan is renowned for Zhangjiajie, whose quartz sandstone peak forest landscape has been named the “Zhangjiajie Landform” by international geological academic organizations. Vegetation landscapes are also popular among tourists in both regions, though the specific vegetation types differ. Diqing is dominated by alpine vegetation such as coniferous forests and meadows, with a high level of vegetation coverage and a diverse range of ecological vegetation types. It also has the richest grassland resources in the province, offering a rich variety of meadow landscapes. On the other hand, Wulingyuan is home to China’s first national forest park, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which features a large number of valuable ancient trees. The main landscape of Wulingyuan consists of mountain peaks, with forests complementing the peaks, making both vegetation landscapes and geomorphological landscapes easily perceptible to tourists. Interestingly, both regions share a monsoon climate with significant mountainous topography, which contributes to the captivating cloud and mist landscapes that strongly attract tourists.

4.2.2 Nujiang

Vegetation landscapes were the most favored by hikers in the Nujiang region, accounting for 24.29% of preferences (Table 3). As one of the world’s significant biodiversity hotspots and one of China’s three major endemic species distribution centers, Nujiang boasts a rich diversity of plant resources, earning it the title “refuge of life.” Among the photographs taken by hikers, besides the common forests, grasslands, shrubbery, and flowers, there were also various ferns and mosses, with woodland elements ranking first at 13.69%. Interestingly, among the photographs, not only were there coniferous forests of pine and fir trees, but also broadleaf forests with camphor and michelia trees, as well as tropical jungles with massive buttress roots^[2]. Most of these photographs originated from trekking routes in the Gaoligong Mountains, where the lush forest landscapes and the rich diversity of forest types serve as a significant stimulus to the hikers’ senses.

Thanks to the unique topography of Nujiang, geomorphological landscapes ranked second in preference, accounting for 16.28%, and included elements such as mountain peaks, rocks, canyons, cliffs, caves, snowy mountains, and basins. The terrain, characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, makes landscapes such as mountain peaks, canyons, and cliffs appear particularly majestic, easily sparking the exploratory drive of hikers and stimulating their perceptions. Caves mainly originate from the iconic site of the Stone Moon, a massive through-hole formed by the dissolution of dolomite, representing a classic example of karst topography. It also embodies the values specified in World Natural Heritage criterion (vii), indicating that the scientific and aesthetic values of the Three Parallel Rivers are partly displayed and communicated to hikers (Figure 6).

Figure 6

Example hiking photographs in Nujiang.

Tourism facilities ranked third, accounting for 15.38% of preferences, with functional service facilities such as signage, plank paths, and viewing platforms making up the largest proportion (52.63%). Signage ranked fourth, accounting for 6.68%, with the majority of signs found along the beautiful Nujiang Road or the paths of Gaoligong Mountain. Forests and plank paths in areas such as Gaoligong Mountain and the Stone Moon scenic spot appeared frequently since the combination of them enhances each other, and plank paths often play a crucial role in photo composition. Infrastructures such as roads and bridges were also common elements in the photographs. The beautiful Nujiang Road frequently appeared in photographs from various aerial perspectives, and the stone stairs along the hiking trails, together with the surrounding scenery or crowds, were also the main subjects of the photographs.

Meteorological landscapes ranked fourth, accounting for 13.68%. The variety of meteorological landscapes in Nujiang was not particularly rich, but the most distinctive feature was the fog, which accounted for 10.06% of all elements, ranking second. The enveloping mists of Bingzhongluo town in Nujiang, often described as a “fairyland on earth,” were especially prominent. Following closely were waterscapes, accounting for 8.99%, mainly including rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, with rivers being the most frequent. This included both the tumultuous Nu River and the gentle streams flowing through the mountains. Elements such as mountain peaks, rivers, and canyons accounted for 15.3%. With its towering terrain and deep valleys, hikers had a particular fondness for the stunning combination of peaks, rivers, and canyons in Nujiang.

Architectural and historical relic landscapes ranked sixth, featuring a rich variety and distinct characteristics. Among these, various types of bridges appeared in photographs with a frequency of 2.98%, with nearly a hundred old and new bridges scattered throughout the area, forming a unique landscape. The Zanatong Bridge, Wulicun Bridge, and Bailai Gratitude Bridge, among others, frequently captured the attention of hikers. The landscape element of residential houses appeared with a frequency of 1.77%, with Nu ethnic villages such as Wulicun, Qiunatong, and Zhiziluo being particularly favored by hikers. Inns appeared in hikers’ photographs with a frequency of 0.56%. Villages such as Laomudeng, Yaping, Zhiziluo, and Shawan have successively established inns with ethnic characteristics, providing hikers with places to rest during their journey. These inns also serve as platforms for hikers to make friends and experience local customs and culture, making them significantly meaningful to hikers.

Human landscapes and outdoor equipment ranked seventh and eighth, respectively, with hikers accounting for 4.43% of the compositions and hiking gear elements such as backpacks, windbreakers, and trekking poles making up a combined 4.35%. This may be attributed to the relatively late development of hiking tourism in Nujaing, its low degree of commercialization, and the fact that most hikers are experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Ethnic and religious cultural landscape ranked lower, accounting for 1.78%. In the photographs taken by hikers in Nujaing, the frequencies of church and temple elements were 0.56 and 0.40%, respectively. Bingzhongluo gathers the main ethnic minorities of the Nu River Prefecture, including the Nu, Lisu, Dulong, and Tibetan peoples, where Tibetan temples coexist with Christian and Catholic churches.

4.2.3 Dali

In the landscape preferences of hikers in Dali, the top three categories were vegetation landscapes, meteorological landscapes, and geomorphological landscapes (Table 4). Woodlands were the most frequently appearing element in photographs, probably because the high vegetation coverage in Dali meets hikers’ desires to experience and connect with nature during forest treks. Grasslands and flowers also ranked highly, reflecting hikers’ preference for landscapes composed of blue skies, lakes, mountain peaks, and grasslands. Additionally, hikers showed a strong interest in vibrant, visually striking fields of flowers (Figure 7).

Figure 7

Example hiking photographs in Dali.

In terms of meteorological landscapes, blue skies ranked second, whereas the frequency of clouds and mist was only a fifth of that of blue skies. Furthermore, in the Cangshan Mountain range, renowned for its snow, clouds, springs, and rocks, snow and clouds together accounted for half of the landscape elements captured by hikers.

Mountain peaks and rocks constitute 68% of the geomorphological landscapes, with the 19 towering peaks of Cangshan not only serving as the primary subjects for hikers’ photographs but also providing a majestic backdrop for capturing other elements. The internationally renowned beauty of Dali marble was also a favored backdrop for tourists’ photographs. The frequency of snowy mountains appeared at a mere 0.84%, may be due to Cangshan’s snow being seasonal, primarily from November to March each year. Outdoor equipment accounted for 10.46% of the preferences. Trekking poles and windbreakers were not as frequently observed, while backpacks were an essential item for most hikers, constituting 6.35% of all elements.

Waterscapes ranked fifth, with lakes and rivers as the primary elements of Dali’s waterscape. Lakes were mostly centered around Erhai Lake, offering picturesque views whether observed up close from the shore or from a distance on Cangshan. The rivers mainly consisted of the 18 streams flowing from Cangshan. The countless waterfalls and pools on Cangshan, transforming into crystal-clear ice columns and icefalls in winter, offered breathtaking beauty. The various waterscapes encountered during treks, complementing the geomorphological landscapes, can also stimulate the perceptions of some hikers.

Hikers showed a notable preference for tourism facilities, especially the functional service facilities, which might be closely related to the mature service facilities in key hiking areas such as Cangshan and Erhai Lake. Along the Cangshan trails, the path is well marked with cable cars, plank paths, and stairs available, catering to leisure hikers who may opt to use the cable car for certain segments. The walking and cycling trails built along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, along with their significant signage, hold commemorative value and have become important elements for photography.

Architectural and historical relic landscapes accounted for 4.19% of the preferences. While these landscapes may not be as popular as natural ones, many hikers still visit for them. For instance, the pavilions, memorial arches, and other characteristic buildings in Xizhou Ancient Town are relatively well preserved and rich in historical ambiance, making them favored subjects in hikers’ photography. Following closely was the ethnic and religious cultural landscape, among which temples were the only cultural landscape element, aside from hikers and backpacks, to make it into the top 15 most recorded by hikers in Dali. Due to historical reasons, Buddhism was prevalent in Dali, with dozens of temples, both large and small, nestled on Cangshan Mountain. Many hikers choose to visit these temples to calm their minds and find spiritual solace, consistent with the modern hiker’s motivation to get close to nature, escape the hustle and bustle, and alleviate stress.

4.2.4 Lijiang

Hikers in Lijiang showed the strongest preference for vegetation, geomorphological, and meteorological landscapes, with these types of landscapes accounting for over half of the sample photographs (Table 5). This illustrates that in Lijiang, what hikers experience most profoundly are the vegetation landscapes within natural mountains and wilds under varying weather conditions. Woodlands had the highest appearance rate among all elements, accounting for 13.95%. Due to the high forest coverage in the entire Three Parallel Rivers area, forests become the most strongly perceived landscape element by hikers in most hiking areas, often appearing as the backdrop in photographs (Figure 8).

Figure 8

Example hiking photographs in Lijiang.

Geomorphological landscapes such as mountain peaks, snowy mountains, and sandy areas reflect the typical topographical features of the Lijiang trekking area, centered around the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Blue sky ranked as the second most frequent element, which probably due to the local climate and the travel seasons chosen by hikers. During the peak season of hiking including both spring and autumn, there usually is a high proportion of clear days [33]. Blue skies and white clouds add a natural filter to photographs, aligning with hikers’ imaginations and aspirations of Yunnan, where Three Parallel Rivers Region belongs to, as the “Land of Colorful Clouds.” The frequency of elements such as mountain peaks, hikers, and snowy mountains ranked high, thanks to the renowned Jade Dragon Snow Mountain within the trekking area. Hikers often take group photographs to commemorate reaching the summit or a certain altitude, capturing the challenges of climbing and the joy of conquering peaks.

Tourism facilities ranked fourth, accounting for 12.20% of preferences. This is partly because Lijiang’s tourism development is relatively mature, with well-established inns and guesthouses. Hikers tend to choose these accommodations as their lodging places, making them an important landscape element recorded during their trekking journeys. On the other hand, various types of signage along the trekking routes serve as witnesses to the entire trekking process and are a major landscape element for hikers to commemorate. Viewing platforms, plank paths, and mountain roads serve as crucial supports for hikers to trek and enjoy the scenery, making them frequently featured in tourists’ photographs. Snow Lotus Peak, in particular, sees a significant number of hikers from South Korea, with many Korean-made signposts on the mountain attracting a large number of tourists for photo opportunities. Outdoor equipment accounts for 7.13% of the preferences, with hats, windbreakers, and trekking poles being among the more frequently observed elements. This is because climbing mountains such as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Snow Lotus Peak present certain challenges, requiring adequately comprehensive gear.

Compared to other regions, Lijiang’s architectural and historical relic landscapes accounted for a higher proportion, reaching 10.42%. Lijiang is home not only to the internationally renowned Jade Dragon Snow Mountain but also to the Lijiang Ancient Town, a World Cultural Heritage site. The city’s overall layout and engineering architecture blend the essences of Han, Bai, Yi, Tibetan, Naxi, and other ethnic groups. Characteristic streets from different perspectives appear frequently in hikers’ photographs, while the historically worn stone roads, ancient wooden buildings, and the ubiquitous “Three-Eyed Wells” throughout the ancient town also become regular subjects in tourism photographs. Likewise, the attention given to architectural landscapes is also reflected in the landscape study of Wuyuan villages, where visitors have a high level of perception regarding Hui-style architecture, ancient villages, and the integration of mountain and water landscapes with architectural features [23].

The frequency of ethnic and religious cultural landscapes was relatively low, but it encompassed a variety of element types such as ethnic clothing, ethnic calligraphy and paintings, temples, prayer boards, stupas, and lanterns. It is noticeable that hikers’ preferences for landscape elements in Lijiang differ significantly from other regions, with a greater variety and quantity of cultural landscapes compared to natural landscapes. This includes distinctive architecture, ethnic decorations, and famous residences, indicating that tourists visit this hiking area not just for ordinary photo ops and sightseeing tours, but also motivated by historical architecture, ethnic culture, and local customs. Waterscapes accounted for 5.19% of the preferences, with Lashi Lake, Wenhai, and other large and small plateau lakes, making lakes one of the top 10 preferred landscape elements in this hiking area.

Above all, hikers have a positive attitude toward the commercial and man-made landscapes in Lijiang, which stands in sharp contrast to the relatively low preference for commercial landscapes observed among visitors to the proposed Appalachian Geopark [20]. This phenomenon may be closely linked to the rich historical heritage of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the unique cultural atmosphere of Lijiang Old Town. The degree of commercialization in Lijiang, especially the widespread association with the “romantic” label, has greatly enhanced the attractiveness of its landscapes, drawing more visitors. Regardless, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historical value and cultural depth of Lijiang are deeply embedded in the perception of its visitors. Compared to other hiking destinations, Lijiang Old Town is relatively popular, and popular areas typically offer high accessibility and strong appeal. As a result, Lijiang not only caters to hikers seeking natural landscapes but also attracts those who are interested in exploring human history and traditional culture. This makes Lijiang a hiking destination that combines both natural and cultural allure, widely attracting a diverse range of visitors.