Developing standardised assessment frameworks for landscape imagery in traditional villages remains challenging due to the diversity of local environmental, cultural, and socio-economic variables. To address this complexity, this study aims to identify key landscape imagery variables that support sustainable tourism development in traditional Chinese villages. Two representative case studies, Yaoli Village and Huangling Village in Jiangxi Province, were selected to reflect contrasting yet complementary landscape characteristics. A total of 114 photographs were systematically collected from the most frequently visited landmarks in both villages and were included in the expert evaluation process. Five experts were consulted to identify and assess the landscape imagery variables that contribute to sustainable tourism development. The findings indicate clear differences between the two villages and demonstrate their complementary value for understanding traditional village landscapes. Yaoli Village represents an accessible and well-preserved heritage site where authenticity, cultural continuity, and effective management are prioritised. In contrast, Huangling Village is characterised by strong visual appeal and symbolic landscape features that foster emotional engagement and memorable visitor experiences. Through comparative analysis, nine key landscape imagery variables were identified as collectively shaping the sustainable development of traditional Chinese villages. These variables provide a structured foundation for future policy making, spatial planning, heritage conservation, and tourism management strategies that seek to balance preservation with development.
Yue et al. (Thu,) studied this question.