Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Open Space Utilization Pre, During, and Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Lanzhou City, China

Urban open spaces (UOS) play a crucial role in enhancing city livability and resident well-being, yet there remains a gap in utilizing social media to analyze changes in UOS utilization across different COVID (Corona Virus Disease)-19 phases. Our research applied Sina Weibo data to scrutinize UOS engagement across pre-pandemic (2019), pandemic (2021), and post-pandemic (2023) periods in Lanzhou City, China, revealing evolving spatiotemporal patterns and highlighting the pandemic’s impact on UOS usage. Initially, scenic mountains and urban parks dominated visitor preferences in 2019. However, during the pandemic, there was a trend towards destinations that combined elements of tourism, business, entertainment, and culture, reflecting a growing appetite for diverse experiences. Despite this shift, the post-pandemic period did not see a complete return to pre-pandemic travel patterns, with a noticeable decline in visits to traditional green open spaces during lockdowns. We identified key attractions in main urban areas, highlighting geographical variations in tourism and Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) distribution that warrant further attention. The post-pandemic landscape reveals a resurging interest in green-blue spaces and nature-focused tourism, highlighting a continued preference for cultural and natural experiences, and emphasizing the need to harmonize development with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. This study introduces the use of social media data across pandemic phases to guide UOS management, offering insights for creating resilient, multifunctional urban spaces that address public needs and enhance community well-being.