Han, Yu, Su, Yuan, Xuan, Le, Yan, Qiao, Wang, Yongxin, Sun, Jingyi, Wang, Wanjiang, Meng, Qinglin, Luo, Zhiwen  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2082-3958 and Saimaiti, Adili
2026.
In-depth analysis of the thermal environment and adaptive thermal mitigation strategies in arid-hot tourist attractions.
Urban Climate
67
, 102874.
10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102874
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Abstract
Extreme heat in arid and hot regions presents significant challenges to thermal comfort and the sustainability of tourism. This study creates an optimized framework for thermal comfort, incorporating various data sources, field measurements, and microclimate simulations. Three representative spatial types were chosen as a case study, and specific thermal comfort optimization strategies of Water, Plant, Material, and Sunshade Facilities were evaluated. Results indicate remarkable spatial heterogeneity in the thermal environment at the macro scale, with extreme heat predominantly affecting rocky and sandy surfaces, while areas characterized by green spaces and water bodies demonstrate marked cooling effects. A significant negative correlation was found between vegetation cover and surface temperature, whereas elevation and topography showed a positive correlation. At the micro scale, during peak heatwave hours from 13:00 to 16:00, the implementation of adaptive strategies led to improvements in the Ultra-Temperature Climate Index (UTCI) in over 90% of commercial (Type 05) and public spaces (Type 10). Notably, 10.6%–18.5% of Type 10 areas experienced UTCI reductions exceeding 6 °C, and improvements in Type 05 reached at least 15%, with the maximum UTCI reduction recorded at 14.64 °C. Among the strategies, the Plant consistently yielded the strongest and most widespread cooling effects, with pools providing better optimization intensity than linear waterways, while high-albedo pavements offered limited improvement. This study enhances the understanding of thermal dynamics within arid-hot tourism environments and presents a quantitative, localized adaptive framework aimed at fostering climate-responsive design and sustainable tourism planning.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Architecture |
| Additional Information: | Rights Retention Policy applied |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 2212-0955 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 2 April 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 17 March 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Apr 2026 10:30 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186152 |
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