Research on the network structure of tourist flows in Shenzhen from a human-environment relationship perspective

Based on tourism digital data of Shenzhen from 2020 to 2024, this study takes local and non-local tourists as research objects, selects representative tourism nodes, and constructs their respective tourism flow networks. Using social network analysis, the spatial characteristics and differences of the tourism flow network structures of the two groups are compared and revealed. From the perspective of human-environment interaction theory, the interactive responses between different tourist groups and the tourism environment are explored. The results show that: ① In terms of node attractiveness, there is a significant "group-environment" interactive difference: The core of the local tourist network is dominated by natural nodes, reflecting urban residents’ intrinsic need for "human-environment harmony" through natural regulation to alleviate daily spatial pressure; whereas the core of the non-local tourist network is mainly composed of humanistic nodes, indicating their "place identity" with and symbolic consumption of Shenzhen’s modern and international urban image, with the influence of humanistic nodes continuing to increase; ② In behavioral patterns, local tourists exhibit relatively singular travel paths, showing "place attachment" to familiar environments; non-local tourists organize more diverse itineraries with a high proportion of humanistic nodes, aligning more with the characteristics of "place consumption"; ③ In spatial structure, local flows show a pattern of "denser in the east, sparser in the west; stronger in the south, weaker in the north," highly concentrated in Dapeng New District; non-local flows are characterized as "denser in the west, sparser in the east," highly concentrated in Nanshan District, while also diffusing toward the natural areas of Dapeng. Overall, districts such as Bao’an, Longgang, Pingshan, Longhua, and Guangming show weaker tourism development and unbalanced spatial connectivity. This study suggests that Dapeng New District, as a convergence zone of natural and humanistic resources, has the potential to promote the coordination of Shenzhen’s tourism human-environment system and balanced spatial development. Future efforts should focus on optimizing resource supply, strengthening regional linkages, and guiding the formation of a healthier and more sustainable tourism human-environment relationship.