Quality of life (QOL) is enhanced by the satisfaction derived from leisure time. Much of the evidence for this relationship comes from research in Western nations. In contrast, this study explores the links between leisure satisfaction and QOL in China using the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS) and the short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were collected from 940 urban Chinese in the City of Ningbo. We used multivariate multiple linear regression to determine whether leisure satisfaction and demographic variables are predictors of QOL. Results indicate that the LSS predicts all the QOL domains. Nonetheless, when the LSS dimensions are analyzed separately, only Psychological Satisfaction and Aesthetic Satisfaction predict each of the four WHOQOL-BREF domains. Among the demographic variables, only income predicts all WHOQOL-BREF domains, whereas other demographic variables predict some of the domains. This study adds new insights to understand relationships between leisure satisfaction, QOL, and demographic variables in the non-Western world.

Hiking has emerged as an activity growing in popularity. One reason lies in the significant investment being made in hiking trails by the Chinese government, while equally many Chinese find hiking attractive because trail construction permits safe hiking and high levels of social interaction. This study of 579 Chinese hikers on trails in Ningbo, Zhejiang, uses multinomial logistic regression analysis to ascertain their motives based on responses to questionnaires. The questionnaire were premised on concepts derived from the Leisure Motivation and Satisfaction Scales devised by Beard and Ragheb as amended by direct observation of Chinese hiking behaviours. It was found that while Chinese interpret some items differently to their Western counterparts it was possible to use many of the items. The primary motivations appear to value social interaction and perceived health benefits. Recommendations are made for potential management action.

In China there has been a considerable increase in the demand for outdoor recreational and tourism experiences, one of which is hiking. This paper reports results derived from a sample of 579 hikers walking two ancient trails in Ningbo. The research objectives were firstly to assess levels of satisfaction gained from the experience; followed by identifying determinants of that satisfaction, then the study try to suggest ways of improving the visitor experience. Items were derived form an adaptation of the Beard and Ragheb (1980) Leisure Motivation Scale based on 6 dimensions (education, psychological preference, physiological attributes, and social, relaxation and aesthetic preferences) with 24 items based on a five-point Likert type scale. Data were collected from October to December 2015. An analysis using IPA and fuzzy comprehension techniques were used. The findings were indicated as follows: (1) From the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation analysis, it was found that visitors'overall satisfaction was relatively high at the score of 4.095, which indicated that the visitors are satisfied in most cases. Relaxation needs featured highly (4.305), which is much higher than other five dimensions;followed by the'physiological'(4.235), and'psychological'(4.158) components. It is also worth noting that'social','educational', and'aesthetic'dimensions scored more modestly at 3.964, 3.963, and 3.872 respectively, which reflected at somewhat satisfied level. (2) According to the results of IPA analysis, it was found that the majority of indicators in psychological dimension have high level of IPA scores. While the finding also found that the most indicators in relaxation and physiological dimensions have high satisfaction scores but lower importance scores, which needs to be improved in the future. On the other hand, from the results, it could be seen that the majority of indictors in educational and aesthetic dimensions have high importance scores but low satisfaction scores. (3) The findings also showed that the majority of respondents looked for educational functions during their hiking, such as learning basic outdoor skills. These may increase hikers'confidence for future hiking experiences. However, it was also found that the opportunities for such learning were few, leading to some dissatisfaction in this area. (4) The paper therefore provides some practical suggestions for trail management. It is suggested that Ningbo Government could promote hiking as an important means of leisure product with the development of hiking trails, facilities and the improvement of environmental protection systems, combined with more advice as to safety and good hiking practices. There is also a need to better consider trail aesthetics that may attract more potential hikers. Finally, the paper also discussed the limitations of the study and the prospects of future studies.

As China's domestic tourism develops, so too many recreational activities are emerging as tourism products. One of these is hiking and a substantial investment in trail development by the Chinese State commenced in 2014. Based on the Beard and Ragheb Leisure Satisfaction Scale and combined with measures of the characteristics of hiking, this paper constructs an evaluation index of hiking leisure satisfaction with data derived from 579 respondents undertaking hiking on trails developed in Ningbo, China. The study also uses fuzzy modeling to identify the importance of attributes of hiking that may determine satisfaction to better assess ways by which the hiker experience could be enhanced. The results show that: (1) the provision of hiking opportunities is much appreciated by respondents; and (2) it is suggested that a programme of hiking and leisure education, skill enhancement and improving the planning and design of walking trails would further increase hiker satisfaction.

The paper examines the political and social realities of China pertaining to its pro-poor rural tourism policies. It provides a discussion of those policies by drawing on an analysis of changes in the village of Qiyunshan, which is being developed as a tourist destination by the Huangshan authorities. It contextualises the wider policies of current rural reforms under the Xi and Li regime within the specificities of the experiences of this village based upon two sets of observations, (a) one based on several visits over a period of years and (b) a more structured period of participant observations by the first author since 2011. It points to the increased role of state owned enterprises under the Xi regime while highlighting specific differences between different actors in the process of transition toward becoming a major tourist destination.