Urban walking and nature immersion represent two distinct yet increasingly studied modalities of promoting human health, each with measurable psychological and physiological outcomes. Recent meta-analytic evidence suggests that while urban walks can enhance cognitive stimulation through exposure to dynamic, socially rich environments, nature walks yield more consistent reductions in stress markers such as cortisol levels and heart rate variability, fostering a state of restorative calm. This distinction is underpinned by Attention Restoration Theory, which posits that natural settings engage the mind’s involuntary attention, allowing directed attention to recover more effectively than in complex urban landscapes. For example, walking along a tree-lined riverside path has been shown to improve mood and working memory more than traversing an architecturally busy commercial street, even when walk duration and intensity are equivalent. A case study in metropolitan Beijing demonstrated that participants engaging in weekly nature walks reported a 23% decrease in self-reported anxiety over eight weeks, whereas those in city-center walking groups experienced only marginal mood gains, though they exhibited increased social engagement scores. These findings highlight the nuanced trade-offs between restorative potential and social stimulation, suggesting that an optimal urban planning approach might integrate accessible, green-corridor walking routes within city infrastructure. Ultimately, the decision between city or nature walking may not be dichotomous but contextual, depending on whether the primary goal is emotional restoration, social interaction, or cognitive engagement, positioning hybrid green urban spaces as a promising solution for balancing these benefits within modern living environments.
Chen, L., Yan, R. & Hu, Y., 2025. City walk or nature walk? Evidence-based psychological and physiological outcomes – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 106, article no. 128726.
