The Health and Wellness Functions of Forest Parks and Their Application in Planning

　　With the advancement of human civilization and the rapid progress of science and technology, people have been liberated from arduous physical labor. As leisure time has grown, tourism—primarily aimed at rejuvenating body and mind, restoring health, and engaging in recreation and learning—has become increasingly popular. Consequently, trends such as “returning to nature,” the “green awakening,” forest tourism, and forest bathing have flourished. Within forest tourism, a form of travel focused on hygiene, health maintenance, and therapeutic recuperation is quietly gaining momentum, manifesting chiefly in short-term forest getaways and forest sanatoriums. Abroad, for instance, Germany regards forest‑environmental health practices—leveraging climate, forests, terrain, and mountain springs—as a natural method of health restoration. In the former Soviet Union, phytocidal science holds that forests’ antibacterial and purifying properties can refresh the spirit and calm the mind. The French emphasize that negatively charged ions in forest air confer significant health benefits. Meanwhile, Europeans and Americans believe that strolling along forest trails helps regulate the body’s innate biological rhythms, leaving one feeling invigorated. China has long recognized the therapeutic, medicinal, hygienic, and health‑promoting values of forests. The reclusive lifestyles of eminent scholars and refined gentlemen during the Qin and Han dynasties were, in essence, a form of psychological therapy, using the healing power of landscapes and woodlands to soothe emotional wounds. Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica is, in fact, an encyclopedic guide to forest‑derived remedies. Throughout history, imperial palaces and retreats were invariably sited in areas of stunning scenery and dense forests, precisely to harness the forests’ restorative environmental qualities for balancing body and mind and restoring vitality and health. In modern times, scenic spots like Mount Lu and national forest parks such as Zhangjiajie have, from their very inception, placed great emphasis on forests’ therapeutic and health‑preserving functions, carefully planning and developing dedicated wellness zones.

 

1. Forest Therapy Functions

 

　　The forest’s therapeutic functions are primarily manifested in various aspects, including its microclimate, environmental functions, and overall quality.

 

1.1 Forest Environments and Climates Suitable for Human Survival

 

　　The forest climate, shaped by the interplay of forests and landforms, is characterized by low temperatures, small diurnal temperature ranges, high humidity, abundant rainfall, and frequent cloud cover—conditions that are highly conducive to human survival. Archaeological evidence confirms that humanity’s long childhood was spent in forested environments. Forests play a vital role in producing the oxygen essential for human life and in mitigating the harmful effects of solar radiation and ultraviolet rays on health. According to census data, many of China’s longest-lived individuals and longevity hotspots are concentrated in forested areas with pristine environments and minimal pollution. France’s Landes Forest offers a striking example: after planting maritime pine plantations, the region’s residents experienced a marked increase in life expectancy. While such an increase is not unexpected, it was so abrupt that people widely attributed their extended lifespans to the direct benefits of the forest. Consequently, some reports suggest that simply spending 100 meters within a forest—whether walking or lingering—can allow one to fully savor the forest air and promote physical and mental well‑being; regular strolls in the woods may even contribute to a longer, healthier life.

 

1.2 The Antimicrobial Function of Forests

 

　　Forests secrete biocidal substances such as terpenes, alcohols, organic acids, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones. These compounds can kill bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, significantly reducing the microbial load in forest air. Measurements show that in Nanjing, public spaces harbor 49,700 airborne microbes per cubic meter, parks contain 1,372–6,980, and suburban botanical gardens register 1,046—differences of 12 to 25 times. In the artificial cedar forest at Fufu Rock within Zhangjiajie Forest Park, the microbial count is only 244; near forest trails, influenced by visitors, it rises to 524, whereas at the park’s visitor and lodging center, it reaches 13,918—nearly 134 times higher. At the Dayong City bus station, the figure stands at 32,753, a disparity of 134-fold. Following the establishment of Zhejiang’s Qiandao Lake Forest Park, the microbial density in its forested areas fell to 646 per cubic meter—just one‑hundred‑twentieth of that in the county seat, Qiandao Lake Town. Research has demonstrated that many tree species in forests emit distinct biocidal compounds. For instance, one hectare of beech, cypress, poplar, and locust trees can release 30 kilograms of such substances daily, effectively keeping bacterial levels in a small city below established thresholds. Consequently, many tourists suffering from respiratory ailments find that spending time in forests and breathing the clean, biocide‑rich air helps manage and alleviate their conditions. Pine forests, in particular, are renowned for their fine, abundant needles; as these needles and pine resin oxidize, they release ozone, whose faint scent imparts a refreshing, uplifting quality and may offer therapeutic benefits for lung diseases. For this reason, numerous sanatoriums and health resorts are often situated amid pine forests or in regions where pines are plentiful.

 

1.3 Forests Purify the Air

 

　　The air in forests contains very little particulate matter, as airborne dust is largely deposited on leaves and branches. Consequently, the concentration of suspended particles in forest air is significantly lower than in public spaces. In Zhangjiajie Forest Park, the dust concentration along the cypress-lined trails is 2.22 × 10⁸ particles per cubic meter, while in broadleaf forest areas it stands at 0.81 × 10⁸ particles per cubic meter. By contrast, open areas such as visitor and accommodation centers register 5.32 × 10⁸ particles per cubic meter, and the Dayong City bus station measures 3.85 × 10⁸ particles per cubic meter—nearly a six-and-a-half-fold difference. With its low particulate load and high oxygen content, forest air offers notable health benefits; one hectare of forest can release 1,152 cubic meters of oxygen annually, making it particularly conducive to the recovery of patients with asthma or tuberculosis.

 

1.4 Forests Reduce Noise

 

　　Low noise levels are another hallmark of forest environments; the presence of trees and vegetation helps to mitigate certain types of noise that can harm human health. Sounds that have passed through a forest are generally tolerable to the human ear. Research indicates that green plants can reduce sound intensity by about one quarter through absorption, reflection, and scattering. A 40-meter-wide forest belt can lower noise by 10–15 decibels, while a 30-meter-wide belt can cut it by 6–8 decibels. In parks, extensive stands of trees can reduce noise by 26–34 decibels. Thanks to this “natural sound‑dampening” effect, visitors who live year-round in noisy settings—such as factory workers or residents of bustling urban areas—can benefit from a restorative respite in a more pleasant acoustic environment, allowing both their bodies and minds to relax and recalibrate.

 

1.5 Forests generate negative oxygen ions.

 

　　Among the forest’s health‑promoting functions, one of the most significant is its ability to generate large quantities of negative oxygen ions. Airborne ions are classified as positive and negative; positive ions are detrimental to human health. An excess of positive ions in the air can lead to fatigue, mental stagnation, and even the recurrence of preexisting ailments. Positive ions typically arise in polluted urban areas and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. In contrast, negative ions—also known as anions—are beneficial to human health, primarily by calming the autonomic nervous system, boosting metabolism, purifying the blood, enhancing cellular function, improving skin appearance, and promoting longevity. On average, the concentration of negative ions in clean air is around 1,000 per cubic centimeter, whereas in heavy industrial zones it drops to only 220–400, and inside factory buildings to 25–100. Above and near forests, negative ion concentrations generally range from 2,000 to 3,000 per cubic centimeter. The highest levels are found in stands with a forest cover of 35%–60%; in areas where forest cover falls below 7%, negative ion concentrations are merely 40%–50% of those observed in more heavily wooded regions. Particularly in forested canyon areas, especially when sizable water bodies are present, the air boasts the highest negative ion content. According to foreign research, forest air rich in negative ions can help regulate serotonin levels in the body, effectively alleviating symptoms such as visual impairment, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, irritability, and depression associated with “serotonin‑induced syndrome.” It also improves neurological function, modulates metabolic processes, and strengthens the immune system. Moreover, it has proven effective in treating hypertension, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and chronic fatigue, while delivering favorable outcomes for over twenty conditions, including bronchitis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and neurasthenia. Additionally, negative ions can kill pathogenic bacteria and accelerate the healing of burns.

 

1.6 The Psychological Effects of Forest Greenery

 

　　The green color palette, the intricate structure of forests, and the comfortable environment all exert significant psychological effects that are widely recognized. According to visitor feedback, people who spend time in forests generally report feelings of comfort, relaxation, and emotional stability. Measurements show that while exploring a forest park, skin temperature can drop by 1–2°C, pulse recovery rates can increase by 2–7 times, heart rate decreases noticeably by 4–8 beats per minute, breathing becomes slower and more regular, blood flow slows down, and the heart’s workload is reduced. For visitors who live for extended periods in high‑stress environments, forest therapy can help them achieve physical and psychological adjustment and recovery.

 

　　The green visual environment of forests exerts a variety of psychological effects, yielding numerous positive outcomes. Studies have shown that visitors to forest parks experience feelings of satisfaction, relaxation, vitality, and comfort when immersed in such green surroundings. Research indicates that forests primarily reduce eye irritation by using their green foliage to absorb ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. According to the “green‑view ratio” theory, when green occupies 25% of a person’s field of vision, it can alleviate both ocular and mental fatigue, promoting optimal physical and psychological well-being.

 

1.7 Forests and the environment are deep-seated psychological needs of humanity.

 

　　During World War II, on the front lines, after hearing Dietrich’s famous, melancholy song of homesickness—its words bringing tears to their eyes—many soldiers in the trenches cried out: “I want to go back to the forests of Blanken!” “My home is in the Black Forest!” “I grew up in the Bavarian woods…” These voices merged into a grand chorus, singing of returning to the forests of their homeland. On the battlefield, soldiers thought first of the forest, not of their own dwellings; indeed, they seemed to equate home with the forest itself, revealing a deep, subconscious psychological yearning that reflects humanity’s enduring desire to live among the trees.

 

　　History shows that humanity’s long childhood was spent in the forest, and at various stages, forests have provided both psychological and physiological refuge, satisfying a wide range of human needs. Humans harbor positive, affirming emotions toward forests. According to Pavlov’s theory of “dynamic stereotype,” these early, positive sentiments have been imprinted deep within the cerebral cortex, giving rise to a latent form of consciousness. Consequently, even as humans have moved from the forest into cities and rural landscapes, this profound underlying need continues to surface, shaping our feelings about and our reliance on forests. Once we enter the forest, these emotions erupt: it is as if we return to childhood—or even to the blissful state of being in the womb—experiencing calmness of mind, relaxation of the central nervous system, and harmonious regulation of the entire body, accompanied by a sense of ease, joy, and comfort. Many ailments stemming from environmental stress or psychological factors can, through the forest’s restorative powers, heal without overt treatment.

 

2. Selection and Planning of Forest Health Resorts

 

　　In the planning of forest parks and scenic areas, the selection of a health‑rest resort varies considerably depending on its therapeutic objectives, the park’s location, and its prevailing conditions. Decision‑making is primarily guided by the following considerations.

 

2.1 Forest Conditions

 

　　Generally, the central area of a contiguous forest stand—covering 50 to 100 hectares or more—should be selected within a forest park, as it exhibits distinct microclimatic characteristics. When feasible, prior to planning, it is advisable to assess microclimatic parameters across different zones, including air temperature, relative humidity, extreme temperatures, precipitation, and the concentrations of airborne particulates, microorganisms, and negative oxygen ions. Based on these data, sites most conducive to human comfort and therapeutic recreation should be chosen for developing health‑oriented resort facilities. Forest cover should ideally range from 40% to 70%, with stable stands consisting of mid‑age mixed conifer–broadleaf forests or older. Preferred tree species include pine, cypress, zelkova, oak, and juniper, among others, and the plan should incorporate additional planting of species known for their antibacterial properties.

 

2.2 Geomorphological Conditions

 

　　A health resort should ideally encompass a variety of landform units, with large water bodies and open grasslands, as well as a certain proportion of sparse forest stands. The terrain should be gently sloping yet exhibit undulating relief, benefiting from well‑ventilated, sunlit air currents and clean water sources. Additionally, the bedrock should be free of radioactive contamination.

 

2.3 Positional Conditions

 

　　For a park or scenic area as a whole, a health resort should not be located in the central scenic zone or the main entertainment area. It should be situated at a reasonable distance from these zones—close enough to allow visitors to participate in recreational activities, yet far enough to minimize disruption to the rest and recuperation of health‑seeking guests. At the same time, efforts should be made to minimize the impact of other tourists on the resort’s tranquil environment.

 

2.4 Area

 

　　In general, when determining the size of a forest‑based health‑and‑wellness area, one should comprehensively consider its intended use, the stability of the forest environment and its therapeutic functions, the park’s overall area, as well as other socio‑economic factors. The number of visitors per hectare should be limited to no more than 1–2 persons.

 

3. Recommendations and Prospects for Developing Forest-Based Wellness and Health Tourism in China

 

3.1 Establish forest parks and develop forest-based health and wellness resort areas.

 

　　China has approved the establishment of numerous forest parks at various administrative levels. Most of these parks are well-suited for developing forest‑based health and wellness tourism. Accordingly, during planning, design, and construction, it is essential to proactively incorporate dedicated health‑rest facilities. Specifically, the planning process should: first, carefully and scientifically select suitable locations for such facilities; second, ensure adequate integration of complementary amenities in areas such as recreation, culture, sightseeing, and medical‑health services; and third, orient forest‑vegetation management toward enhancing the forests’ therapeutic and health‑promoting functions.

 

3.2 Establishing Forest-Therapy Hospitals

 

　　Beyond scenic areas and forest parks, comprehensive forest‑based sanatoriums can be established in well‑equipped forestry stations or forested regions, such as specialized alpine forest sanatoriums, northern forest sanatoriums, and forest‑based tuberculosis sanatoriums. Service and medical facilities should be further improved.

 

3.3 Conducting Research on Forest Therapy

 

　　A forest‑health‑therapy specialty has been established within the Department of Forest Tourism, and the therapeutic functions of different forest types are being systematically and scientifically studied. This work aims to inform the formulation of forest‑health‑therapy policies and to explore best practices in the management and delivery of forest‑based health‑care services.

 

3.4 Conduct research and promote the therapeutic, hygienic, and health‑promoting benefits of forest therapy.

 

　　Further recognize the value of forests to humanity, elevate their status, and make rational use of their functions and benefits.

 

3.5 Conducting the development and research of forest medicinal resources and forest-based health foods

 

　　Enhance the technologies and service offerings for forest therapy, enabling forest‑based health and wellness tourism in China to fulfill its intended role.

 

3.6 Initiate research and develop policies related to forest-based health and wellness.

 

　　Provide funding to develop forest‑based health and wellness initiatives, further enhancing the physical well-being of the entire population.