Evaluation of the Narrative Value and Experiential Quality of Urban Trails: A Case Study of the Southwest Regional Trail in Chongqing, China

Urban trails, as vital urban spaces that integrate historical context with contemporary life, play a central role in the rise of deep tourism and the “City Walk” phenomenon. Their spatial legibility positions them as distinctive narrative media, serving as a key channel for promoting urban sustainable development and enhancing citizens’ sense of well-being. However, existing research has yet to establish a comprehensive and systematic framework for evaluating the “spatial narrative” of urban trail systems. This study proposes a dual-perspective quantitative framework for evaluating a spatial narrative, combining objective spatial dimensions with human experiential data to identify strengths and potentials for improvement. The Southwest Regional Trail in Chongqing (comprising the Zhongshan Fourth Road Section, People’s Assembly Hall Section, and Datianwan Section) was used as a case study. First, multi-source spatial data were analyzed via space syntax and ArcGIS to evaluate narrative value from an objective spatial perspective. Next, in-depth questionnaire interviews were conducted to collect subjective data, which were analyzed in SPSS to produce a structured analysis of participant feedback. The findings indicate that (1) Among the three sections of the Southwest Regional Trail, the narrative potential zones rank highest in the Zhongshan Fourth Road Section, followed by the People’s Assembly Hall Section and the Datianwan Section. (2) Urban trails characterized by rich narrative themes and cultural activities are more attractive to visitors. (3) The qualities of narrative symbols, routes, and educational elements are the key factors that specifically influence visitors’ satisfaction with the narrative experience on urban trails. Based on these results, we propose targeted planning and design recommendations for the Southwest Regional Trail. The evaluation methodology and process proposed in this study can provide references for design professionals and relevant urban development departments in conducting spatial narrative quantitative evaluations and optimizing sustainability place-making strategies.