Effects of Urban Landmark Landscapes on Residents' Place Identity: The Moderating Role of Residence Duration

Landmark landscapes, as visual representations of cities, are readily identifiable to urban residents. Observing and visiting these landscapes fosters a cultural connection and identity with the locale, enhances urban character, and promotes tourism. A place's identity is instrumental in urban development and improvement. Urban planners and managers should thus prioritize fostering residents' place identity within city environments. In this study, we explored the influence of landmark landscapes on the place identity of residents in Nanjing-a rapidly urbanizing city with both historic and modern districts. Our methodology included on-site surveys and the application of a structural equation model to discern the relationships between various landmark landscape elements and place identity. The findings revealed the following: (1) landmark landscapes positively influence residents' construction of place identity; (2) the characteristics, function, and historical-cultural importance of these landmark landscapes contribute to place identity formation; and (3) the duration of residence moderates the relationship between historical-cultural importance and place identity. These insights elucidate the role of landmark landscapes in shaping place identity, which in turn enhances urban characteristics and bolsters residents' sense of belonging. The strategic planning and design of landmark landscapes are instrumental in building public consensus, fostering distinctive urban characteristics, and strengthening residents' sense of identity, thereby catalyzing tourism development.