National Park Branding and Signage Systems: Theory, Design, and Practice

A signage system is a critical component of any national park. Its planning and construction exert a direct impact on the park's development, management standards, brand image, and how different visitors navigate, conduct research tours, and engage in educational activities on-site. It is thus an essential part of building a successful national park. Given that national parks worldwide differ in their stages of development and core objectives-and that their signage systems must serve both the environment and visitors-these systems must address the distinct needs of each park. Consequently, this paper focuses on the context of China's national parks and the relevant research background.

Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the gradual depletion of natural resources are environmental challenges shared by all human societies. History shows that establishing various types of protected areas-such as national parks-plays a pivotal role in preserving nature, mitigating climate change, improving resource quality and biodiversity, and achieving harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world.

In 1872, the world's first national park-Yellowstone National Park in the United States-was officially established. Over the course of more than 140 years, national parks have done a commendable job of balancing ecological conservation with the rational use of resources and are regarded as a product of human civilization as well as a symbol of national progress. Currently, more than 200 countries around the globe have set up nearly ten thousand national parks, which are crucial in protecting natural ecosystems and making use of natural resources. They have also expanded humankind's understanding and preservation of the environment, driving the rise and development of conservation efforts worldwide.