Pathways for Regional Cultural Expression in Courtyards of Rural Homestays in Hainan

Abstract

Against the backdrop of rural revitalization and the integrated development of culture and tourism, the courtyards of rural homestays in Hainan function as vital carriers of regional cultural identity, rendering systematic research on their cultural expression pathways of considerable practical significance. Grounded in theories of cultural geography and place-making, this study examines the mechanisms of regional cultural expression in rural homestay courtyards in Hainan from four interrelated dimensions: spatial layout, materials and construction techniques, plant configuration, and lived scenarios. At the spatial level, the extension and reinterpretation of traditional settlement patterns strengthen the continuity of local spatial logic while responding to contemporary hospitality requirements. In terms of materials and construction, the adaptive transformation of indigenous resources and vernacular techniques facilitates a contextual translation of locality, enhancing both authenticity and environmental performance. Ecological plant configuration further reinforces regional characteristics by integrating native species, seasonal variation, and microclimatic regulation into courtyard design. Meanwhile, the creation of dynamic lived scenarios-through everyday activities, cultural practices, and interactive experiences-enables courtyards to evolve from static physical settings into vibrant cultural spaces that support emotional attachment and experiential engagement. The findings suggest that effective cultural expression must transcend superficial symbolic accumulation and instead achieve an organic integration of traditional cultural elements with modern functional demands through spatial continuity, material localization, ecological design strategies, and scenario-based activation. This pathway not only provides theoretical support for the planning and construction of rural homestays in Hainan but also offers a replicable practical paradigm for the preservation, adaptive transformation, and sustainable development of rural cultural landscapes.