Perceptions of recreation and leisure in the context of the Chinese compulsory education perspective held by Chinese living in the U.S.A

The objectives of this study were to explore the perceptions held by Chinese students and scholars residing abroad regarding the meaning of “recreation” (yu le) in the Chinese language and to what extent it is similar to or different from the Chinese concept of “leisure” (xiu xian). The understandings of these terms were explained in the context of the compulsory education participants had received in their home country. The study employed the Leisure Ten Statements Test (LTST) to collect data. The findings showed that xiu xian was characterized by individual activities, low-intensity activities, a feeling of recovery, and a sense of moderation. Yu le was characterized by outdoor, group, and high-intensity activities, a feeling of exertion, a sense of indulgence, and a sense of happiness. There were no significant differences between xiu xian and yu le regarding non-work time, indoor activities, and a sense of satisfaction.