Optimizing Farmland Landscapes for Agri-Tourism Integration in Lingnan Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Naliu Village, China

As rural tourism gains momentum amid rising living standards and growing health awareness, the integration of agriculture and tourism has become a key strategy for promoting rural revitalization. Farmland landscapes, traditionally focused on agricultural production, are increasingly evolving into multifunctional systems that encompass ecological, cultural, recreational, and educational roles. However, current farmland landscapes often suffer from limited functionality, weak cultural expression, and poor visitor experience, which restrict their tourism appeal and multi-dimensional value. This study adopts a qualitative research approach to explore the optimization of farmland landscapes from a visitor-centered perspective. Using Naliu Village in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province as a case study, the research integrates Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and landscape preference theory. Methods include photo-elicited interviews and thematic analysis, forming a four-stage framework: preference expression, needs categorization, function translation, and strategic recommendation. Expert interviews supplement the study with insights on functional planning, cultural representation, and implementation feasibility. Findings reveal that visitors prefer landscape features that are aesthetic, interactive, and culturally expressive, corresponding to different levels of psychological needs. Cultural identity is a key motivator for engagement and loyalty, while basic infrastructure influences initial accessibility. The study proposes a “multi-level preference–needs response” framework to guide the design of layered and participatory farmland spaces. It highlights four value dimensions—basic provision, cultural identity, participatory interaction, and emotional attachment — as crucial for enhancing visitor experience and realizing synergies between ecological conservation, tourism development, and cultural continuity. The study offers theoretical contributions to landscape perception research and practical guidance for designers, tourism operators, and rural planners involved in farmland landscape enhancement.