Evaluating cultural ecosystem services in China's modern historic parks: A sentiment computing approach

China's modern historic parks (MHPs) are a subcategory of modern heritage, yet their values remain underappreciated. Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) provide a holistic framework to assess MHPs’ values. However, evaluating CESs remains a challenge due to their intangible nature, subjectivity, and the imperative of public involvement. Few studies focused on CES perception in MHPs. In response to the gap, an aspect-based sentiment computing (ABSC) method was employed for CES evaluation in Shanghai’s MHPs. We created 3 lexicons of space types, CES types, and sentiment modifiers based on semantic syntax analysis of texts and identified 14 types of CESs and 22 types of spaces. The results show that “sense of place” and “relaxation” were the most prominent CESs in most MHPs. CESs could be classified into 2 categories, indicating the significance and the components of commemorative values and present-day values of MHPs. The overall CES perception varies in different MHPs at both individual park level and at space unit level. Our research enriches the understanding of the heritage values of MHPs, and offers CES trade-off principles for the balance between MHPs’ preservation and regeneration. • ABSC method is feasible in CES evaluation of MHPs. • We created 3 lexicons for standardized CES evaluation of MHPs. • CES sentiment scores revealed the diverse values of MHPs. • “Relaxation” and “sense of place” were the most dominant CES. • Research discovered spatial heterogeneity of CES of MHPs.