Mapping priority and potential tranquility areas in China using hybrid audio-visual GIS modeling for environment decision making

• Comparing and explaining the differences between visual and audio tranquility at the national scale for the first time. • Developing a framework to identify tranquility. • Identifying and delineating the distribution and patterns of tranquility across China, clarifying the spatial differences between visual and Audio tranquillity. • Establishing baseline standards for relatively tranquil, protected land management and regional governance systems in China. • Mapping priority and potential tranquility areas in China using hybrid audio-visual GIS modeling for environment decision making. The coupling of visual and auditory tranquility on a national scale has garnered attention worldwide. However, research on the spatial distributions in visual and audio tranquility across China and the implications of these differences for the perceptions and management of overall tranquility in scarce. Therefore, this study examined the spatial distribution of visual and auditory tranquility across China and its variations, spatial differences between visual and auditory tranquility, and the relationship between tranquility patterns and geographic zoning. This study used audio-visual geographic information system modeling and public consultations employing multi-criteria decision-making techniques to develop a comprehensive map of visual and auditory tranquility. The results revealed a correlation between tranquility, urban development, and environmental indicators. Additionally, this research established a framework to mapping tranquility, supplementing existing knowledge, and set baseline standards for future environment conservation decision making of tranquil protected lands and regional governance systems in China. The findings highlight priority and potential development areas for tranquility, providing guidance for future territorial spatial planning and regional. The research ideas, methods, and techniques are also applicable to the study of tranquil areas at the global scale.