Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Use and Perception of Urban Green Spaces and Demographic Group Differences

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented travel restrictions around the world and significantly altered people’s daily behaviors. Although previous works have explored the changes in usage and perceptions of urban green spaces (UGS) before and through the pandemic lockdown, there are certain differences in conclusions for various regions, and demographic group differences are not figured out. Our study aimed to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on the use and perception of urban green spaces in Xuzhou, China and identify the differences across groups through an online survey of 376 respondents. The descriptive statistical results showed that approximately half reduced UGS visits, and one third reported increased importance of UGS’s health benefits, especially in mentality. During the lockdown, the city park and community park were the most common destinations and the well-maintained lawn was regarded as the most valued characteristic, followed by sports facilities and seating facilities. Walking was the most frequent means of travel, while public transport was the least common choice. The regression analysis suggested that age, marriage, living pattern and income have significant influences on usage and perception of UGS. The young and the unmarried were more likely to perceive increased social benefits by visiting UGS compared to before the pandemic. People living alone visited the private garden more frequently, and people from three-generation-families preferred green life streets. Richer people unusually spend more time in UGS, benefited more and had more potential to renew green activities. In addition, more perceived risks related to COVID-19 resulted in higher self-reported health benefits. Finally, the suggestions for encouraging UGS visits during the pandemic lockdown are discussed.

Full text

Citation: Wang, S.; Li, A. Impacts of
COVID-19 Lockdown on Use and
Perception of Urban Green Spaces
and Demographic Group Differences.
Land 2022,11, 2005.
https://doi.org/10.3390/
land11112005
Academic Editor: Francesca Ugolini
Received: 25 October 2022
Accepted: 7 November 2022
Published: 9 November 2022
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
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land
Article
Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Use and Perception of
Urban Green Spaces and Demographic Group Differences
Shiqi Wang * and Ang Li
School of Architecture and Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
*Correspondence: wangshiqi@cumt.edu.cn
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented travel restrictions around the world and
significantly altered people’s daily behaviors. Although previous works have explored the changes in
usage and perceptions of urban green spaces (UGS) before and through the pandemic lockdown, there
are certain differences in conclusions for various regions, and demographic group differences are not
figured out. Our study aimed to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on the use and
perception of urban green spaces in Xuzhou, China and identify the differences across groups through
an online survey of 376 respondents. The descriptive statistical results showed that approximately
half reduced UGS visits, and one third reported increased importance of UGS’s health benefits,
especially in mentality. During the lockdown, the city park and community park were the most
common destinations and the well-maintained lawn was regarded as the most valued characteristic,
followed by sports facilities and seating facilities. Walking was the most frequent means of travel,
while public transport was the least common choice. The regression analysis suggested that age,
marriage, living pattern and income have significant influences on usage and perception of UGS.
The young and the unmarried were more likely to perceive increased social benefits by visiting UGS
compared to before the pandemic. People living alone visited the private garden more frequently,
and people from three-generation-families preferred green life streets. Richer people unusually spend
more time in UGS, benefited more and had more potential to renew green activities. In addition,
more perceived risks related to COVID-19 resulted in higher self-reported health benefits. Finally, the
suggestions for encouraging UGS visits during the pandemic lockdown are discussed.
Keywords:
COVID-19; Urban green space; demographic variable; usage and perception; health benefit
1. Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic caused not only a health crisis but also travel restrictions
around the world, especially in China. During the lockdown, people had limited access to
urban public places. While considering the positive health benefits of green experiences,
it is important and necessary to visit urban green spaces during the lockdown periods.
Many studies were conducted to explore how people use and perceive the UGS in order
to improve its availability and health benefits. COVID-19 has changed residents’ daily
activities and health needs, which provides a new background for studies on UGS. Un-
derstanding how people visit and perceive the UGS during the pandemic lockdown will
provide valuable information for green planning and design aiming to promote health and
mental restoration.
1.1. COVID-19 and Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in March 2020 was regarded as an international
health emergency by the World Health Organization [
1
] (WHO, 2020). Various policy
measures were taken to stop the virus, such as stay-at-home orders, closing schools and
workplaces and limited access to public places [
2
]. These restrictions seriously impeded
Land 2022,11, 2005. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11112005 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/land

Land 2022,11, 2005 2 of 18
people’s social interaction, leisure activities and business activities, with negative con-
sequences for their mental health and subjective wellbeing [
3
]. During the COVID-19
lockdown, people suffered higher mental health risks, such as depression, anxiety and
decreased cognitive ability [
4
] This situation was exacerbated in areas with denser housing,
tighter restricted policies, higher infective risk or less accessible services [5].
1.2. Health Benefits and Urban Green Spaces
The health benefits derived from urban green spaces (UGS) are well established in
the existing research. The UGS refer to one patch of land covered by vegetation in a city
with various sizes, plant types, facilities and services, such as parks, forests, gardens and
green paths [6]. The exposure to UGS has positive effects on reduced risk of all-cause and
circulatory disease (Mitchell and Popham, 2008), less postoperative recovery time [
7
], lower
levels of obesity ([
8
], increased longevity [
9
] and less mental disturbances or illness [
10
].
These health promoting functions may be attributed to physical and mental restoration
aroused by natural experiences, such as stress relief and negative emotion modification [
11
],
the support of social interaction [
12
], more opportunities for physical activity [
13
] and the
supply of ecosystem services such as purified air [14].
The COVID-19 crisis demonstrates an urgent need for UGS [
15
]. People experience
higher levels of stress caused by social isolation, potential health issues and limited outdoor
activities during the pandemic lockdowns [
16
], and therefore, the physiological and psycho-
logical benefits of UGS show more significance. A nationwide survey study in Italian shows
that the exposure to UGS or other kinds of green features has significant associations with
a lower increase in anxiety, fear, sleep disturbance and other negative emotions or mental
problem happening during the COVID-19 lockdown [
17
]. A private garden will promote
life satisfaction and subjective well-being in times of COVID-19 [
18
]. The government
encouraged people to spend more time in outdoor green spaces, while complying with
the travel restriction policies, in some countries such as Belgium [
19
]. Moreover, there is
evidence that park use has an association with decreased residual case rates, and park
visits are regarded safer than other kinds of mobility [
20
]. Consequently, the UGS plays an
important and irreplaceable role on public health and social well-being during the health
crisis, as it minimizes inflective risk and offers a restorative experience.
1.3. Use Behaviors, Perception and UGS
The use and perception of UGS depend on multiple factors in published studies dur-
ing non-pandemic periods [
21
,
22
]. The use behavior usually mentions usage frequency,
time spent and activity intensity [
23
,
24
]. Meanwhile a positive perception will enhance
patronage and a negative one can prevent visitation and change use patterns [25]. The en-
vironmental characteristics play an important role in people’s decision to visiting a UGS,
including size [
26
], shape [
27
], plant species [
28
], vegetation cover [
29
], facilities [
30
] and so
on. The distance to green space is also regarded as an important factor [
31
]. Many studies
prove that the visiting decision and perceived results are also related to demographic
characteristics such as gender [
32
,
33
], age [
34
], family [
35
], education level [
36
], income [
37
]
and cultural background [38].
Furthermore, the pandemic changed the use and perception of UGS [
39
]. A large body
of studies emerged recently to discuss the new changes in people’s green behaviors [
40
].
Most research shows an increased visiting frequency after the pandemic [
41
]. In addition,
some UGSs have new users or re-engaged users [
42
]. The forest recreation in Bonn (Ger-
many) has a new set of visitors, including youth, families with children and non-locals
during the pandemic. The change in green behavior differs in various regions, such as
more people choose to walk to small gardens nearby in Italy, while more people visit
greenspace in the city suburbs in Lithuania [
43
]. Additionally, people’s opinions on valued
environmental features related to restorative perception, travel concern and importance
of UGS for their health also changed [
44
]. There is also evidence of decreased visiting in
some regions [
45
]. The lack of available greenspace, unequal distribution, closed facilities,

Land 2022,11, 2005 3 of 18
various policies, feelings of unwelcome and concerns about infection may prevent people
from visiting the UGS [
46
]. As a result, there is controversy about the change in UGS use
caused by the pandemic, which varies in different countries or regions all over the world.
1.4. Hypotheses and Aims
Due to an increasing need for mental restoration by visiting UGS during the post-
pandemic, we need to understand how the use behaviors and restorative perception in
UGS change driven by COVID-19, as well as how the change mechanism varies with
demographic factors. Although a body of published research has explored the new use
and perception patterns of UGS during the pandemic, detailed discussions on the driving
mechanism are limited, especially in China. Most cities in China made strict restrictive
policies that the green spaces were closed and people were restricted to their communities
or even homes [
47
] during the early stages of the COVID-19, which may have stimulated
stronger restorative demands and more significant behavior changes. When the COVID-19
outbreak was basically under control with no new deaths, the restricted policies continued
but were relaxed. Compared to the early stages of the pandemic, this period lasted much
longer, and people had limited opportunities to visit public spaces. To better understand
the specific issues and demands, the use behaviors and perceptive pattern of UGS in China
during the late stages of COVID-19 (April to July 2021) were explored and compared to the
cases during the non-pandemic period. We aimed to investigate the changes in use and
perception caused by COVID-19. We also analyzed how changes varied with demographic
characteristics to explain different social groups’ demand and behaviors. The results will
be beneficial for guiding the planning and design of UGS to deal with mental restoration
after the health crisis.
2. Methods
2.1. Study Area
Xuzhou was selected as the study area, located in Jiangsu province, eastern China,
with a population of approximately 8.8 million people (Figure 1). Under a typical temperate
monsoon climate, it has similar plant characteristics to most cities in the mid-China region.
By 2019, the coverage of UGS was 43.7% in the built-up area, and the park green space per
capita was 15.4% [
48
]. Xuzhou’s GDP ranks in the middle, and its urban green construction
is also in step with most cities of similar sizes. Additionally, unlike most cities, a small
number of cities were severely affected by the outbreak (such as Wuhan) and were taken
out of our consideration. Thus, we think Xuzhou is more representative of most cities in
China in terms of its vegetation characteristics, urban development and the effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
From March to April 2022, Xuzhou went through a period of pandemic lockdown
with strict restrictive policies, including closing schools, shops and other public spaces,
in addition to outdoor green spaces, and instituting home quarantine orders. The travels
of most residents were limited within neighborhood units. Then, as new cases declined,
people obtained limited opportunities to visit crucial public spaces with negative results on
a 2019-nCoV test. During this period, most cities in China had similar reaction mechanisms
and policies to deal with the recurrent outbreaks [
49
]. Our survey was conducted during the
beginning of the restriction policies becoming relaxed but before non-essential businesses
were reopened, when people could visit the UGS conditionally and the negative effects of
the crisis on health were remarkable.

Land 2022,11, 2005 4 of 18
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 18
businesses were reopened, when people could visit the UGS conditionally and the nega-
tive effects of the crisis on health were remarkable.
Figure 1. The location of Xuzhou.
2.2. Survey Design
An online survey was developed and distributed to residents in Xuzhou by using
random sampling and the snowball approach. We sent the questionnaire to initial partic-
ipants through social media (Wechat) and they spread the survey to people around. All
participants were required to be over 18 years old and live in the main urban district of
Xuzhou city for more than 1 year. People who were experiencing serious illness, life
changes or alcohol addiction were excluded to avoid an extremely special response. Par-
ticipants were notified of the survey objective, data use and their own rights. They were
voluntary and allowed to quit the survey at any point.
The questionnaire was made up of three sections. The first part asked about the use
and perception of UGS during lockdown, including (1) the type of visited UGS, (2) usage
frequency, (3) time spent, (4) main activity, (5) way to travel, (6) perceived importance of
UGS’s health benefits, (7) self-reported health benefits by visiting UGS, (8) valued envi-
ronmental characteristics during pandemic visiting and (9) barriers to UGS. The second
part investigated the changes before and through the pandemic for the first six items in
Section 1. Finally, questions in Section 3 asked about demographic characteristics, includ-
ing (1) gender, (2) age, (3) yearly household income, (4) educational level, (5) job, (6) mar-
riage, (7) home ownership, (8) residential pattern, (9) income change caused by COVID-
19 and (10) perceived health risk of COVID.
These variables, except self-reported health benefits and perceived importance of
UGS’s health benefits, are categorical. In order to conduct the follow-up quantitative anal-
ysis, we coded demographic characteristics (such as for gender, male = 1, female = 2; for
age, 18–30 years old = 1, 31–60 years old = 2, over 60 years old = 3). The variables of changes
in the frequency, the time spent, the perceived importance of UGS’s health benefits con-
sisted of three categories, where 0 = no change, 1 = increased during the lockdown, 2 =
decreased during the lockdown. The variables of the type of UGS visited, the main activity
taken part in the UGS and the means of travel were coded as “no change” and “change”.
Furthermore, those two continuous variables were measured by a 5-point Likert Scale.
The pre-research was conducted with 30 samples including people of different ages,
genders and educational levels to verify the clarity and legibility of the question statement
and the reliability and validity of the scale questions. Modifications were implemented
according to suggestions. The questionnaire was proven to have good reliability and va-
lidity (Alpha = 0.890, KMO = 0.950).
Figure 1. The location of Xuzhou.
2.2. Survey Design
An online survey was developed and distributed to residents in Xuzhou by using ran-
dom sampling and the snowball approach. We sent the questionnaire to initial participants
through social media (Wechat) and they spread the survey to people around. All partici-
pants were required to be over 18 years old and live in the main urban district of Xuzhou
city for more than 1 year. People who were experiencing serious illness, life changes or
alcohol addiction were excluded to avoid an extremely special response. Participants were
notified of the survey objective, data use and their own rights. They were voluntary and
allowed to quit the survey at any point.
The questionnaire was made up of three sections. The first part asked about the use
and perception of UGS during lockdown, including (1) the type of visited UGS, (2) usage
frequency, (3) time spent, (4) main activity, (5) way to travel, (6) perceived importance
of UGS’s health benefits, (7) self-reported health benefits by visiting UGS, (8) valued
environmental characteristics during pandemic visiting and (9) barriers to UGS. The second
part investigated the changes before and through the pandemic for the first six items in
Section 1. Finally, questions in Section 3asked about demographic characteristics, including
(1) gender, (2) age, (3) yearly household income, (4) educational level, (5) job, (6) marriage,
(7) home ownership, (8) residential pattern, (9) income change caused by COVID-19 and
(10) perceived health risk of COVID.
These variables, except self-reported health benefits and perceived importance of
UGS’s health benefits, are categorical. In order to conduct the follow-up quantitative
analysis, we coded demographic characteristics (such as for gender, male = 1, female = 2;
for age, 18–30 years old = 1, 31–60 years old = 2, over 60 years old = 3). The variables
of changes in the frequency, the time spent, the perceived importance of UGS’s health
benefits consisted of three categories, where 0 = no change, 1 = increased during the
lockdown, 2 = decreased during the lockdown. The variables of the type of UGS visited,
the main activity taken part in the UGS and the means of travel were coded as “no change”
and “change”. Furthermore, those two continuous variables were measured by a 5-point
Likert Scale.
The pre-research was conducted with 30 samples including people of different ages,
genders and educational levels to verify the clarity and legibility of the question statement
and the reliability and validity of the scale questions. Modifications were implemented
according to suggestions. The questionnaire was proven to have good reliability and
validity (Alpha = 0.890, KMO = 0.950).
2.3. Data Analysis
The descriptive analyses were conducted to detect how people use and perceive
the UGS during lockdown and the difference from before the pandemic. After that, the
demographic variables related to the use and perception of UGSs were identified by using

Land 2022,11, 2005 5 of 18
the Chi-square test among different groups. Then, we conducted a serious of regression
analyses to further explore the effects of demographic characteristics on the UGS use and
perception. The dependent variables concerned the use and perception of UGS, and the
independent variables consisted of demographic characteristics. The SPSS 20.0 conducted
all analyses.
3. Results
3.1. Sample Characteristics
The sample consisted of 376 individuals after the exclusion of records with missing
information or obviously incorrect answers (n= 42). The demographic characteristics are
shown in Table 1. The percentage of female participants was a little higher than males,
which was consistent with the urban population characteristics of Xuzhou city. The majority
were in the age range of 18–60 years old and had completed high education. This could
be due to lower access to the online survey for people with low education or advanced
ages. More than half of the participants were married or in a couple, had a full-time job and
fixed abode. Nearly half of the people had two dwelling patterns, and other forms of living
accounted for similar proportions. The incomes for 57% of the sample were negatively
affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the overwhelming majority agreed that outbreaks pose
varying levels of risk to health.
Table 1. Demographic characteristics of samples (n= 376).
Demographic
Characteristics Variables Number Percentage
(%)
Percentage of
Xuzhou Population
(%)
Gender Male 164 43.6 49.7
Female 212 56.4 50.3
Age 18~30 years 170 45.2 39.7 (below 30 years)
31~60 years 180 47.9 46.5
Over 60 years 26 6.9 13.8
Annual income
Below 50,000 64 17.02 -
50,000–150,000 142 37.77 -
150,000–250,000 114 30.32 -
250,000–350,000 24 6.38 -
Over 350,000 32 8.51 -
Educational level
Secondary education 92 24.47 21.2
Undergraduate 144 38.30 43.3
Postgraduate 140 37.23 35.5
Job
Full time job 242 63.8 -
Part time job 18 4.8 -
No job 80 21.3 -
Retirement 36 9.6 -
Marriage Unmarried 138 36.7 -
Married or in a couple 224 59.57 -
Divorced or Widowed 14 3.72 -
Home ownership
Fully owned 170 45.21 -
Loan to own 104 27.66 -
Rent at market rate 54 14.36 -
Subsidized rental 48 12.77 -
Residential pattern
Living alone 76 20.21 -
Living with
contemporary 82 21.81 -
Two generation
dwelling pattern 168 44.68 -
Three generation
dwelling pattern 50 13.3 -

Land 2022,11, 2005 6 of 18
Table 1. Cont.
Demographic
Characteristics Variables Number Percentage
(%)
Percentage of
Xuzhou Population
(%)
Income change caused
by COVID-19
Revenue decline 216 57.45 -
Revenue unchanged 158 42.02 -
Revenue Increase 2 0.53 -
Perceived health risk of
COVID
Not at all 18 4.79 -
Few 32 8.51 -
Some 156 41.49 -
Many 98 26.06 -
Great many 72 19.15 -
3.2. Changes before and during the Pandemic
The description of differences between pre-pandemic times and during the lockdown
is shown in Figure 2. The majority did not change their main activity played in the UGS
and the means of travel (the proportions were 70.2% and 76.6% respectively). Among
the group whose behavior changed in both regards, the main change modes were from
vigorous physical exercises such as running and ball sports to taking a walk (5.2%), from
public transport to walking (11.2%) and from by car to on foot (5.3%). Approximately
40% changed the type of UGS visited frequently. Changes from urban park to community
park and changes from urban park to landscape trail were reported most. Those who
reduced the frequency and duration of visits were in the majority (56.4% and 42.1%).
Approximately one third reported no changes in these two terms. Some people thought the
perceived importance of UGS’s health benefits on three dimensions increased during the
lockdown (35.7% for mental health, 32.5% for physical health and 19.5% for social health).
The majority reported no changes happened in this aspect (61.6% for mental health, 62.3%
for physical health and 72.7% for social health).
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 18
Rent at market rate
54
14.36
-
Subsidized rental
48
12.77
-
Residential pattern
Living alone
76
20.21
-
Living with contemporary
82
21.81
-
Two generation dwelling
pattern
168
44.68
-
Three generation dwelling
pattern
50
13.3
-
Income change
caused by COVID-19
Revenue decline
216
57.45
-
Revenue unchanged
158
42.02
-
Revenue Increase
2
0.53
-
Perceived health risk
of COVID
Not at all
18
4.79
-
Few
32
8.51
-
Some
156
41.49
-
Many
98
26.06
-
Great many
72
19.15
-
3.2. Changes before and during the Pandemic
The description of differences between pre-pandemic times and during the lockdown
is shown in Figure 2. The majority did not change their main activity played in the UGS
and the means of travel (the proportions were 70.2% and 76.6% respectively). Among the
group whose behavior changed in both regards, the main change modes were from vig-
orous physical exercises such as running and ball sports to taking a walk (5.2%), from
public transport to walking (11.2%) and from by car to on foot (5.3%). Approximately 40%
changed the type of UGS visited frequently. Changes from urban park to community park
and changes from urban park to landscape trail were reported most. Those who reduced
the frequency and duration of visits were in the majority (56.4% and 42.1%). Approxi-
mately one third reported no changes in these two terms. Some people thought the per-
ceived importance of UGS’s health benefits on three dimensions increased during the
lockdown (35.7% for mental health, 32.5% for physical health and 19.5% for social health).
The majority reported no changes happened in this aspect (61.6% for mental health, 62.3%
for physical health and 72.7% for social health).
Figure 2. Percentage of variation in the type, frequency, duration, activity, means of travel and per-
ceived importance of health benefits during the lockdown relative to before the pandemic.
Figure 2.
Percentage of variation in the type, frequency, duration, activity, means of travel and
perceived importance of health benefits during the lockdown relative to before the pandemic.
3.3. Use and Perception of UGS during the Lockdown
Figure 3showed the usage of UGSs during the lockdown. The most common types of
UGS visited during the lockdown were city parks (36.8%) and community parks (31.6%).
The majority went to the UGSs once or twice a week (37.9%) and stayed 30 to 60 min
(52.6%). The most popular activity was taking a walk (46.3%), and the least people chose to
participate in recreational or social activities such as dancing, singing and watching shows

Land 2022,11, 2005 7 of 18
(7.4%). Walking (47.4%) was selected as the most common way to travel to the UGSs and
public transit (8.4%) had the fewest votes.
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18
3.3. Use and Perception of UGS during the Lockdown
Figure 3 showed the usage of UGSs during the lockdown. The most common types
of UGS visited during the lockdown were city parks (36.8%) and community parks
(31.6%). The majority went to the UGSs once or twice a week (37.9%) and stayed 30 to 60
min (52.6%). The most popular activity was taking a walk (46.3%), and the least people
chose to participate in recreational or social activities such as dancing, singing and watch-
ing shows (7.4%). Walking (47.4%) was selected as the most common way to travel to the
UGSs and public transit (8.4%) had the fewest votes.
Figure 3. Percentage of usage of the UGSs during the lockdown including types of green spaces
visited, visit frequency, time spent, main activity and means of travel.
Figure 4 shows the perceptive features of UGSs during the lockdown. More than 80%
people thought highly of UGSs when it comes to the mental and physical health; however,
fewer people agreed on the value of UGSs for social health (72.3%). Approximately half
of the sample reported that visiting the UGSs had brought many or a great many benefits,
including enhancing physical exercise (48.0%), improving the mood (60.4%), promoting
sociability (31.2%), providing fresh air (64.9%) and promoting family relationships
(46.1%). More people thought visiting the UGSs seldom had benefits for socializing
(38.7%). The well-maintained lawn was regarded as the most valued characteristic for the
green experience during the lockdown by 70% of respondents. Approximately half of the
people selected “sports facilities” (49.3%) and “seating facilities” (51.3%). The features
written in by about one third of responds were support for socializing (29.9%), places for
children (38.3%), good guidance (31.8%), water features (33.1%) and epidemic prevention
management (32.5%). The common barriers to visiting the UGSs were “concerns about the
COVID-19” (56.4%), “have no enough energy or time” (43.6%) and “lack of accessible
green spaces” (41.5%).
Figure 3.
Percentage of usage of the UGSs during the lockdown including types of green spaces
visited, visit frequency, time spent, main activity and means of travel.
Figure 4shows the perceptive features of UGSs during the lockdown. More than
80% people thought highly of UGSs when it comes to the mental and physical health;
however, fewer people agreed on the value of UGSs for social health (72.3%). Approxi-
mately half of the sample reported that visiting the UGSs had brought many or a great
many benefits, including enhancing physical exercise (48.0%), improving the mood (60.4%),
promoting sociability (31.2%), providing fresh air (64.9%) and promoting family relation-
ships (46.1%). More people thought visiting the UGSs seldom had benefits for socializing
(38.7%). The well-maintained lawn was regarded as the most valued characteristic for the
green experience during the lockdown by 70% of respondents. Approximately half of the
people selected “sports facilities” (49.3%) and “seating facilities” (51.3%). The features
written in by about one third of responds were support for socializing (29.9%), places for
children (38.3%), good guidance (31.8%), water features (33.1%) and epidemic prevention
management (32.5%). The common barriers to visiting the UGSs were “concerns about
the COVID-19” (56.4%), “have no enough energy or time” (43.6%) and “lack of accessible
green spaces” (41.5%).
3.4. Differences in Usage and Perception of UGSs Caused by Demographic Characteristics
For the aspect of the changing situation before and after the pandemic, the results of
Chi-square tests showed that there were significant differences in perceived importance of the
mental health benefits (
χ
2 = 24.550, p= 0.006 < 0.01) and social health benefits (
χ
2 = 34.488,
p= 0.000 < 0.01) obtained by visiting the UGSs among different age groups, in the perceived
importance of social health benefits of UGSs (
χ
2 = 13.208, p= 0.010 < 0.05) across the marriage,
and in the activity changes (
χ
2 = 8.611, p= 0.013 < 0.05) across income changes. By comparing
the percentage (Figure 5a), we found that people between 18 and 30 perceived more importance
in UGSfor mental health and social health. Unmarried people obtained more social benefits by
visiting UGSs (Figure 5b). The majority with an unchanged income did not change their activity
types, while people with decreased income were more likely to choose new activity (Figure 5c).

Land 2022,11, 2005 8 of 18
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 18
Figure 4. Percentage of perception of the UGSs during the lockdown including importance assess-
ment of UGS’s health benefits, health benefits obtained by visiting the UGSs, valued characteristics
for a green experience during the lockdown and barriers to UGS.
3.4. Differences in Usage and Perception of UGSs Caused by Demographic Characteristics
For the aspect of the changing situation before and after the pandemic, the results of
Chi-square tests showed that there were significant differences in perceived importance
of the mental health benefits(χ2 = 24.550, p = 0.006 < 0.01) and social health benefits (χ2 =
34.488, p = 0.000 < 0.01) obtained by visiting the UGSs among different age groups, in the
perceived importance of social health benefits of UGSs (χ2 = 13.208, p = 0.010 < 0.05) across
the marriage, and in the activity changes (χ2 = 8.611, p = 0.013 < 0.05) across income
changes. By comparing the percentage (Figure 5a), we found that people between 18 and
30 perceived more importance in UGS for mental health and social health. Unmarried
people obtained more social benefits by visiting UGSs (Figure 5b). The majority with an
unchanged income did not change their activity types, while people with decreased in-
come were more likely to choose new activity (Figure 5c).
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 5. Cross figure of certain demographic characteristics and dependent variables related to
changes. (a) Age and perceived importance of mental and social benefits, (b) Marriage and per-
ceived importance of social benefits, (c) Income change and activity change.
For the aspect of the usage and perception during the lockdown, the results of Chi-
square tests showed that the time spent (χ2 = 16.380, p = 0.037 < 0.05) and obtained health
Figure 4.
Percentage of perception of the UGSs during the lockdown including importance assessment
of UGS’s health benefits, health benefits obtained by visiting the UGSs, valued characteristics for a
green experience during the lockdown and barriers to UGS.
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 18
Figure 4. Percentage of perception of the UGSs during the lockdown including importance assess-
ment of UGS’s health benefits, health benefits obtained by visiting the UGSs, valued characteristics
for a green experience during the lockdown and barriers to UGS.
3.4. Differences in Usage and Perception of UGSs Caused by Demographic Characteristics
For the aspect of the changing situation before and after the pandemic, the results of
Chi-square tests showed that there were significant differences in perceived importance
of the mental health benefits(χ2 = 24.550, p = 0.006 < 0.01) and social health benefits (χ2 =
34.488, p = 0.000 < 0.01) obtained by visiting the UGSs among different age groups, in the
perceived importance of social health benefits of UGSs (χ2 = 13.208, p = 0.010 < 0.05) across
the marriage, and in the activity changes (χ2 = 8.611, p = 0.013 < 0.05) across income
changes. By comparing the percentage (Figure 5a), we found that people between 18 and
30 perceived more importance in UGS for mental health and social health. Unmarried
people obtained more social benefits by visiting UGSs (Figure 5b). The majority with an
unchanged income did not change their activity types, while people with decreased in-
come were more likely to choose new activity (Figure 5c).
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 5. Cross figure of certain demographic characteristics and dependent variables related to
changes. (a) Age and perceived importance of mental and social benefits, (b) Marriage and per-
ceived importance of social benefits, (c) Income change and activity change.
For the aspect of the usage and perception during the lockdown, the results of Chi-
square tests showed that the time spent (χ2 = 16.380, p = 0.037 < 0.05) and obtained health
Figure 5.
Cross figure of certain demographic characteristics and dependent variables related to
changes. (
a
) Age and perceived importance of mental and social benefits, (
b
) Marriage and perceived
importance of social benefits, (c) Income change and activity change.
For the aspect of the usage and perception during the lockdown, the results of Chi-
square tests showed that the time spent (
χ
2 = 16.380, p= 0.037 < 0.05) and obtained health
benefits in enhancing the physical activities (
χ
2 = 31.938, p= 0.010 < 0.05) varied across
annual household income. Lower income groups were more likely to spend less time in
the green spaces (Figure 6a). Participants whose annual household income reached over
35 million yuan more frequently regarded that the green experience greatly promoted
physical exercises (Figure 6b). There were also some differences in perceived health benefits
of enhancing family relationship across educational levels (
χ
2 = 16.897, p= 0.031 < 0.05).
The percentage of respondents who selected “many” among the secondary educational
level group were obviously lower than the other two groups, and their more common
choices were “few” or “a few” (Figure 6c). Furthermore, the various residential models
led to different choices in UGS types (
χ
2 = 34.833, p= 0.010 < 0.01). People living in a
three-generation-family and living alone were more likely to visit life streets with good
greening, and respondents with partners visited community parks or city parks more

Land 2022,11, 2005 9 of 18
frequently (Figure 6d). Additionally, the subjective assessment is that the health risks of
COVID-19 caused the different perception in health benefits from visiting the UGSs in the
aspects of enhancing physical exercise (
χ
2 = 31.369, p= 0.012 < 0.05), motivating positive
moods (
χ
2 = 27.183, p= 0.039 < 0.05) and providing fresh air (
χ
2 = 28.111, p= 0.031 < 0.05).
Overall speaking, people who worried significantly about the crisis tended to choose “get
much benefits from green experience”, and people who considered the risks to be few were
more likely to choose “get some benefits from green experience” (Figure 6e).
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 18
benefits in enhancing the physical activities (χ2 = 31.938, p = 0.010 < 0.05) varied across
annual household income. Lower income groups were more likely to spend less time in
the green spaces (Figure 6a). Participants whose annual household income reached over
35 million yuan more frequently regarded that the green experience greatly promoted
physical exercises (Figure 6b). There were also some differences in perceived health ben-
efits of enhancing family relationship across educational levels (χ2 = 16.897, p = 0.031 <
0.05). The percentage of respondents who selected “many” among the secondary educa-
tional level group were obviously lower than the other two groups, and their more com-
mon choices were “few” or “a few” (Figure 6c). Furthermore, the various residential mod-
els led to different choices in UGS types (χ2 = 34.833, p = 0.010 < 0.01). People living in a
three-generation-family and living alone were more likely to visit life streets with good
greening, and respondents with partners visited community parks or city parks more fre-
quently (Figure 6d). Additionally, the subjective assessment is that the health risks of
COVID-19 caused the different perception in health benefits from visiting the UGSs in the
aspects of enhancing physical exercise (χ2 = 31.369, p = 0.012 < 0.05), motivating positive
moods (χ2 = 27.183, p = 0.039 < 0.05) and providing fresh air (χ2 = 28.111, p = 0.031 < 0.05).
Overall speaking, people who worried significantly about the crisis tended to choose “get
much benefits from green experience”, and people who considered the risks to be few
were more likely to choose “get some benefits from green experience” (Figure 6e).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 6. Cont.

Land 2022,11, 2005 10 of 18
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18
(e)
Figure 6. Cross figure of demographic characteristics and usage and perception during the lock-
down. (a) Income and duration, (b) Income and health benefits in physical exercise, (c) Education
and health benefits in family relationship, (d) Residential pattern and UGS type, (e) Perceived risk
of COVID-19 and perceived health benefits.
To sum up, the demographic characteristics, including age, yearly household income,
residential pattern, income change and perceived health risk, may have effects on the us-
age and perception of the UGSs (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Significant associations between demographic characteristics and usage and perception of
UGSs according to Chi-square tests. (Models 1–9 are built for the following logistic regression analysis.).
3.5. Demographic Characteristics and UGS’s Use and Perception
Model 1 to Model 5 were conducted using the ordinal regression analysis, as the de-
pendent variables were categorical, and their detailed results are displayed in Tables 2–6.
Table 2 demonstrates that age had significant effects on perceived importance of social
health benefits. Those aged 18 to 30 were significantly more likely to choose “increased”,
and the probability of occurrence was approximately 17 times the reference group. Table
3 shows that the yearly household income affects the time spent in the UGSs during the
Figure 6.
Cross figure of demographic characteristics and usage and perception during the lockdown.
(
a
) Income and duration, (
b
) Income and health benefits in physical exercise, (
c
) Education and health
benefits in family relationship, (
d
) Residential pattern and UGS type, (
e
) Perceived risk of COVID-19
and perceived health benefits.
To sum up, the demographic characteristics, including age, yearly household income,
residential pattern, income change and perceived health risk, may have effects on the usage
and perception of the UGSs (Figure 7).
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18
(e)
Figure 6. Cross figure of demographic characteristics and usage and perception during the lock-
down. (a) Income and duration, (b) Income and health benefits in physical exercise, (c) Education
and health benefits in family relationship, (d) Residential pattern and UGS type, (e) Perceived risk
of COVID-19 and perceived health benefits.
To sum up, the demographic characteristics, including age, yearly household income,
residential pattern, income change and perceived health risk, may have effects on the us-
age and perception of the UGSs (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Significant associations between demographic characteristics and usage and perception of
UGSs according to Chi-square tests. (Models 1–9 are built for the following logistic regression analysis.).
3.5. Demographic Characteristics and UGS’s Use and Perception
Model 1 to Model 5 were conducted using the ordinal regression analysis, as the de-
pendent variables were categorical, and their detailed results are displayed in Tables 2–6.
Table 2 demonstrates that age had significant effects on perceived importance of social
health benefits. Those aged 18 to 30 were significantly more likely to choose “increased”,
and the probability of occurrence was approximately 17 times the reference group. Table
3 shows that the yearly household income affects the time spent in the UGSs during the
Figure 7.
Significant associations between demographic characteristics and usage and perception of
UGSs according to Chi-square tests (Models 1–9 are built for the following logistic regression analysis.).
3.5. Demographic Characteristics and UGS’s Use and Perception
Model 1 to Model 5 were conducted using the ordinal regression analysis, as the
dependent variables were categorical, and their detailed results are displayed in Tables 2–6.
Table 2demonstrates that age had significant effects on perceived importance of social
health benefits. Those aged 18 to 30 were significantly more likely to choose “increased”,
and the probability of occurrence was approximately 17 times the reference group. Table 3
shows that the yearly household income affects the time spent in the UGSs during the

Land 2022,11, 2005 11 of 18
lockdown, and people from families earning less than 250,000 yuan a year tend to spend
less than 60 min in the green spaces. Table 4states that individuals are more likely to
believe the UGSs more important for their social health compared to before if they were
unmarried compared to divorced or widowed. Table 5illustrates that residential pattern
had a significant impact on the type of “community park” and “roof garden” relative to
the “city park”. People living alone tended to visit the private garden compared to people
with three generation dwelling patterns. Furthermore, participants from three-generation-
families were more likely to visit a green life street in comparison with ones living alone
and from two-generation-families. Table 6explains the obvious effects of income change
on the activity change. Individuals were more likely to keep participating in the same
activities as before if their income declined compared to increased.
Table 2. Change in perceived importance of social health benefits explained by age.
Variables Unchanged vs. Decreased Increased vs. Decreased
18–30 years old 1.000 (2.248 ×1013) 0.000 ** (1.472 ×1012)
31–40 years old 1.000 (1.321 ×1020) 0.994 (3.330 ×1012)
41–50 years old 1.000 (3.489 ×1012) 0.981 (1.315 ×1012)
51–60 years old 1.000 (1.321 ×1020) 0.995 (3.330 ×1012)
Over 60 years old - -
N = 376, R
2
= 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, ** p< 0.01, relative occurrence ratio is
in parentheses.
Table 3. Time spent in UGSs during the lockdown explained by yearly household income.
Variables 30–60 min vs. <30 min >60 min vs. <30 min
<50,000 yuan 0.143 (0.135) 0.045 * (0.042)
50,000–150,000 yuan 0.205 (0.195) 0.004 ** (0.005)
150,000–250,000 yuan 0.066 (0.085) 0.016 * (0.024)
250,000–350,000 yuan 0.809 (0.651) 0.421 (0.195)
>350,000 yuan - -
N = 376, R
2
= 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, * p< 0.05, ** p< 0.01, relative occurrence
ratio is in parentheses.
Table 4. Change in importance evaluation of social health benefits, explained by marriage.
Variables Decreased vs. Unchanged Increased vs. Unchanged
Unmarried 0.607 (0.500) 0.000 ** (116,676,430.2)
Married or in a couple 0.260 (0.240) 0.240 (21,779,600.3)
Divorced or widowed - -
N = 376, R
2
= 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, ** p< 0.01, relative occurrence ratio is
in parentheses.
Table 5. The type of UGSs visited during the lockdown explained by residential pattern.
Variables
Suburban
Scenic
Spot
Community
Park
Private
Garden
Landscape
Trail
Green Life
Street Roof Garden
Living alone 0.634
(0.500) 0.138
(0.167) 0.000 **
(17,941,299.60)
0.154
(0.125) 0.050 *
(0.125) 0.997
(8.852 ×10−9)
Living with
contempo-
rary
0.527
(0.400) 0.541
(0.533) 1.000
(0.880) 0.996
(6.130 ×10−9)0.993
(7.492 ×10−9)0.997
(8.173 ×10−9)

Land 2022,11, 2005 12 of 18
Table 5. Cont.
Variables
Suburban
Scenic
Spot
Community
Park
Private
Garden
Landscape
Trail
Green Life
Street Roof Garden
Two
generation
dwelling
pattern
0.865
(0.800) 0.775
(0.756) 0.216
(19,137,386.24)
0.994
(9.647 ×10−9)0.005 **
(0.044) 0.209
(0.133)
Three
generation
dwelling
pattern
- - - - - -
N = 376, R
2
= 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, * p< 0.05, ** p< 0.01, relative occurrence
ratio is in parentheses.
Table 6. Change in activity before and after the pandemic explained by the change of income.
Variables Unchanged
Decreased income 0.000 ** (24,922,052.60)
Unchanged income 0.318 (82,443,040.07)
Increased income -
N = 376, R
2
= 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, ** p< 0.01, relative occurrence ratio is
in parentheses.
Models 6–9 were conducted with the optimal scale regression analysis, as the depen-
dent variables were continuous. Model 6 had the acceptable goodness of fit (R
2
= 0.8154).
The ANOVA table showed the model had statistical significance (Sig = 0.037 < 0.05).
The variables of yearly household income (p= 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.28) and perceived
health risk caused by COVID-19(p= 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.243) both had positive effects on
self-reported health benefits in enhancing the physical activities (HBPA) (Table 7). Accord-
ing to the quantization diagram of variables (Figure 8), for people whose family annual
income was below 250,000 yuan, the HBPA increased with income. From the section
of “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan” to “over 35,000 yuan”, it increased to a greater extent.
Whereas from the section of “150,000 yuan–25 yuan” to “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan”, a
small decreased occurred. Figure 9showed that when people felt enough health risks
related to COVID-19, the HBPA remained unchanged. The ANOVA test showed the signifi-
cances of Model 7, Model 8 and Model 9 were 0.233, 0.054 and 0.157, which were both over
0.05. Thus, these three models were not statistically significant and were removed.
Table 7. Coefficients of Model 6.
Variables Beta SE DOF F Sig.
Yearly household income 0.284 0.086 4 10.812 0.000 **
Perceived health risk caused
by COVID-19 0.243 0.090 3 7.311 0.000 **
Dependent variable is “the assessment of health benefits in enhancing the physical activities”, ** p< 0.01.
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 18
Table 6. Change in activity before and after the pandemic explained by the change of income.
Variables
Unchanged
Decreased income
0.000 ** (24,922,052.60)
Unchanged income
0.318 (82,443,040.07)
Increased income
-
N = 376, R2 = 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, ** p < 0.01, relative occur-
rence ratio is in parentheses.
Models 6–9 were conducted with the optimal scale regression analysis, as the de-
pendent variables were continuous. Model 6 had the acceptable goodness of fit (R2 =
0.8154). The ANOVA table showed the model had statistical significance (Sig = 0.037 <
0.05). The variables of yearly household income (p = 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.28) and perceived
health risk caused by COVID-19(p = 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.243) both had positive effects on
self-reported health benefits in enhancing the physical activities (HBPA) (Table 7). Ac-
cording to the quantization diagram of variables (Figure 8), for people whose family an-
nual income was below 250,000 yuan, the HBPA increased with income. From the section
of “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan” to “over 35,000 yuan”, it increased to a greater extent.
Whereas from the section of “150,000 yuan–25 yuan” to “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan”, a
small decreased occurred. Figure 9 showed that when people felt enough health risks re-
lated to COVID-19, the HBPA remained unchanged. The ANOVA test showed the signif-
icances of Model 7, Model 8 and Model 9 were 0.233, 0.054 and 0.157, which were both
over 0.05. Thus, these three models were not statistically significant and were removed.
Table 7. Coefficients of Model 6.
Variables
Beta
SE
DOF
F
Sig.
Yearly household income
0.284
0.086
4
10.812
0.000 **
Perceived health risk caused by
COVID-19
0.243
0.090
3
7.311
0.000 **
Dependent variable is “the assessment of health benefits in enhancing the physical activities”, **p < 0.01.
Figure 8. The quantization of the variable of yearly household income.
Figure 9. The quantization of the variable of perceived health risk caused by COVID-19.
Figure 8. The quantization of the variable of yearly household income.

Land 2022,11, 2005 13 of 18
Land 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 18
Table 6. Change in activity before and after the pandemic explained by the change of income.
Variables
Unchanged
Decreased income
0.000 ** (24,922,052.60)
Unchanged income
0.318 (82,443,040.07)
Increased income
-
N = 376, R2 = 0.319, Reference system is “decreased social health benefits”, ** p < 0.01, relative occur-
rence ratio is in parentheses.
Models 6–9 were conducted with the optimal scale regression analysis, as the de-
pendent variables were continuous. Model 6 had the acceptable goodness of fit (R2 =
0.8154). The ANOVA table showed the model had statistical significance (Sig = 0.037 <
0.05). The variables of yearly household income (p = 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.28) and perceived
health risk caused by COVID-19(p = 0.000 < 0.01, Beta = 0.243) both had positive effects on
self-reported health benefits in enhancing the physical activities (HBPA) (Table 7). Ac-
cording to the quantization diagram of variables (Figure 8), for people whose family an-
nual income was below 250,000 yuan, the HBPA increased with income. From the section
of “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan” to “over 35,000 yuan”, it increased to a greater extent.
Whereas from the section of “150,000 yuan–25 yuan” to “250,000 yuan–350,000 yuan”, a
small decreased occurred. Figure 9 showed that when people felt enough health risks re-
lated to COVID-19, the HBPA remained unchanged. The ANOVA test showed the signif-
icances of Model 7, Model 8 and Model 9 were 0.233, 0.054 and 0.157, which were both
over 0.05. Thus, these three models were not statistically significant and were removed.
Table 7. Coefficients of Model 6.
Variables
Beta
SE
DOF
F
Sig.
Yearly household income
0.284
0.086
4
10.812
0.000 **
Perceived health risk caused by
COVID-19
0.243
0.090
3
7.311
0.000 **
Dependent variable is “the assessment of health benefits in enhancing the physical activities”, **p < 0.01.
Figure 8. The quantization of the variable of yearly household income.
Figure 9. The quantization of the variable of perceived health risk caused by COVID-19.
Figure 9. The quantization of the variable of perceived health risk caused by COVID-19.
4. Discussion
Our survey demonstrated the usage and perception of UGSs during the lockdown
and the differences from before the pandemic and the key differences across groups of par-
ticipants. According to our findings, new evidence was supplied to explain urban residents’
use behaviors and perceptive features of the UGSs during the lockdown. In general, the
results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s behaviors and opinions
related to the UGSs, and this change pattern was related to some demographic features.
Our survey showed that some participants considered benefits obtained by visiting
UGSs becoming more important for their health across all groups. Notably, more people
valued health benefits for psychology more than for physical health and socializing. The re-
sults are consistent with the research, which has suggested the greater importance of UGSs
in health promotion for people suffering from the health crisis and social isolation[
46
].
Furthermore, experiencing the UGS was also proven to be more related to mental health rel-
ative to physical health and social health [
50
]. This change pattern of increased social health
benefits was particularly obvious among younger participants at the age of 18–30 years
old and unmarried people, which supported the indications of increased interest in green
spaces among younger people during the lockdown mentioned by Burnett et al., 2022.
Older people may suffer from higher risks of social isolation during the lockdown because
of the limited ability to use online communications [51].
Some studies reported the increased use of UGS during the pandemic [
10
], while
some showed decreased usage [
52
]. Most of our survey respondents visited UGSs once or
twice a week and spent 30–60 min each time and were more likely to decrease their visit
frequency and duration time during the pandemic. The conflicting results may attribute
to various survey time, samples, limitation strategies and so on. Furthermore, concerns
about COVID-19, lack of time or energy and limited accessibility of UGSs were the most
frequently chosen barriers to visiting, which were in line with the published research [53].
Our results indicated that household income was a significant factor for use time of UGS
and people with a higher household income tended to spend more time in UGSs during
the lockdown. This is supported by previous studies stating that the lower socio-economic
position results in less use of green spaces [54].
We also found that although some UGSs, such as community parks and landscape
trails, had new visitors during the pandemic, the city park was still the most popular
destination. This could be explained by the compensation hypothesis proposed by Maat
and De Vries (2006), which holds that people with fewer green spaces nearby tend to visit
the further green spaces in compensation [
55
]. Thus, the eased restrictions that allowed
residents more access to urban public spaces contributed to more frequent visits to city
parks. The residential patterns were proved to be associated with the choice of UGS.
Individuals who lived alone were more likely to visit private parks, and people from
three-generation-families were more likely to go to a green street near home. This provides
support for those who reported their major companions were family members and children
while visiting the UGSs [
56
]. Additionally, three-generation families consist of older people.
Long travel time is usually regarded as the main barrier to visiting the parks by older

Land 2022,11, 2005 14 of 18
people [
57
]. Movement restrictions enforced due to COVID-19 have stronger negative
effects on the elderly. Thus, the streets with good green facilities near home are preferred.
Another key finding is that the main activity carried out in the UGSs changed during
the pandemic for the minority but remained unchanged for most participants. This kind of
change was obvious among people whose income increased. The published research has
reported that higher income contributes to more awareness of benefits from experiencing
the UGSs [
58
]. Thus, people whose income increased had more potential to add investment
and proceed with new green activities, such as camping. In addition, taking a walk was
regarded as the most common chosen activity in the UGSs, followed by performing physical
exercises, according to our results. This is consistent with the numerous research from
before the pandemic that pointed out that physical exercise and walking dominated the
multiple-activity pattern in UGSs [
59
]. However, we did not find the statistical significance
concerning the change pattern of activity intensity. It may be explained by the proven
relationship between user participation and environmental features [
60
], which were less
affected by the pandemic.
Additionally, we found that the yearly household income influenced the perceived
health benefits in physical exercise. The overall trend is that perceived health benefits
increased as income increased. Although most of the published literature states that those
with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to benefit from the UGSs [
61
], at least the
opinions of green gentrification showed that those with high education or high incomes
benefited more from neighborhood active green space because they were able to afford
pricier properties with better green resources [
62
]. Moreover, because of travel restrictions,
the community green spaces near home have more visitors during the lockdown, which
intensifies the differences in health benefits across groups caused by unequal distribution
of green resources.
Our results also show the perceived risks associated with self-reported health benefits.
Individuals perceiving more health risk from COVID-19 were more likely to obtain physical
health benefits from the UGSs during the lockdown. It could be explained by opinions
about the need for restoration, which play a moderating role in the mechanism underlying
the effects of green experience on health benefits [
63
,
64
]. That is, people facing heavier
stress both physically and mentally always have stronger restorative needs, and for them,
the therapeutic effects of green experiences are more remarkable [
65
,
66
]. Notably, the health
benefits reported by those who felt COVID-19 was “much risky” and “very much risky”
were almost the same. This may illustrate that a higher perceived health risk will no longer
trigger an increase in self-reported health benefits, and future research could be conducted
to explore the affecting factors in this case.
5. Conclusions
The UGSs play an important role in public health, especially for people suffering
from stress or crisis. During a lockdown, the government managers and city planners
should support urban residents to visit and benefit from the UGS for mental and physical
restoration. Considering the risks of infection caused by travel during the lockdown, the
UGSs should be attractive enough and compatible with users’ needs. Our study proved
that the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the usage and perceptive manners of
UGSs in Xuzhou, China and identified the differences across groups. The inequalities in
accessibility and perceived benefits of UGS were widespread, which might be exacerbated
by certain individual factors, such as a miserable marriage, reduced income and lack of
companions. Although the research area was limited within Xuzhou, the results could
reflect what happened in other cities to a certain extent, which had similar responses to the
epidemic. Understanding people’s concerns, preference and needs related to UGS during
the lockdown could contribute to creating a safe and accessible green experience, as a part
of response to COVID-19 or future health crises.
The UGSs should be kept open and available considering their significant effects
on health promotion and restoration, especially during the health crisis, on the premise

Land 2022,11, 2005 15 of 18
that the risks they present of spreading the virus are acceptable (Slater et al., 2020). It
is potentially difficult to make tradeoffs between encouraging visiting the UGSs and
keeping people safe enough. The priorities concerning which spaces should be open or
which environmental features should be improved are necessary decisions, for which
an understanding of the preferences or demands from urban residents for the UGSs is
informative. Our research identified parts of usage patterns and preferences during the
lockdown that could supply guidance for the planning, designing or management of UGSs
during the pandemic lockdown or a similar public health crisis.
The effects of demographic characteristics on usage and perception of UGSs were
well established by much of the previous research [
67
], while our results emphasized the
important roles of age and socioeconomic factors (such as education and income) during
the lockdown. Maybe these two factors play a more critical role in where people live or
what kind of UGS they have access to. For example, people with a higher socioeconomic
status usually enjoy better housing and the elderly are the majority in old communities.
When suffering from social isolation, the UGS near home almost becomes the only choice,
thus, the needs and expectations of users should be fully considered and taken seriously.
The UGSs should be socially inclusive, especially for vulnerable groups, rather than just
in the service of the minority. The user-oriented design methods and goals should be
developed and adopted by embodying wishes of different groups.
Improving people’s awareness of the health-promoting effects of the UGSs will be a
major contributor to the use of UGS. Respondents frequently reported not having enough
time and experience to travel to UGS in our survey, reflecting an underlying weak desire to
visit the UGSs and a lack of understanding and appreciation of the health benefits of UGS.
Compared with developed countries, residents in most Chinese cities have lower awareness
of health benefits, while the visual–scenic–recreation orientation is highlighted [
34
]. Resi-
dents need to go through a learning process of obtaining clear and consistent messaging
about the potential benefits of visiting UGS, in order to build up unbiased green awareness.
City planners and managers should carry out various forms of environmental education
and publicity measures to communicate the health benefits of UGS to the public effectively.
6. Limitations and Future Research
Some limitations exist in our study, which should be overcome in future studies. The
method of distributing the questionnaire caused some bias that recruited participants that
tended to have certain similar attributes because they came from similar social circles. Some
groups of people were excluded from our sample, resulting in the limited generalizability of
our results. Cities have experienced different severity and duration of pandemic outbreaks
and green spaces in China vary, so indeed the results would change if we chose other cities
as the study area. Further research should be conducted to understand how all groups use
and perceive the UGS during the lockdown and to explore the differences among cities by
collecting more comprehensive samples, carrying on deeper interviews and conducting
cross-regional comparative studies. Moreover, the results of our cross-sectional survey
could only reflect the characteristics of variables at a single point in time, so a longitudinal
study is needed for deeper understanding of the casual relationships between demographic
variables and UGS visiting. Additionally, the effects of the environmental features of
UGSs on green use and perception were also proven in the published research [
68
–
70
],
which were not considered and described primarily in our study. The self-reported data
concerning the use and perception of UGS lack objectivity. A more comprehensive and
accurate influence mechanism should be explored in further research.
Author Contributions:
Conceptualization, S.W. and A.L.; methodology, S.W.; software, S.W.; valida-
tion, S.W.; formal analysis, S.W.; investigation, S.W.; resources, S.W.; data curation, A.L.; writing—
original draft preparation, S.W.; writing—review and editing, S.W.; visualization, A.L.; supervision,
A.L.; project administration, A.L.; funding acquisition, S.W. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.

Land 2022,11, 2005 16 of 18
Funding:
The research is supported by Jiangsu Education Department Social Science Projects
(2021SJA1023), Doctor of Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Jiangsu Province (JSSCBS20211228).
Informed Consent Statement:
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Acknowledgments: We would like to thank the participants in our survey.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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