<p>Natural disasters increasingly threaten world heritage sites, yet research on their impact on aesthetic and natural heritage values is limited, particularly regarding post-disaster restoration interventions. Following the 2017 earthquake that severely damaged Sparkling Lake in Jiuzhaigou, this study employs questionnaires and eye-tracking experiments to assess landscape aesthetic preferences and heritage value at various recovery stages. Findings indicate that the earthquake significantly reduced both aesthetic preferences and heritage value; however, late-stage restoration efforts led to a notable increase in aesthetic appreciation, surpassing pre-earthquake levels, while heritage value remained comparable to earlier conditions. Aesthetic preferences correlate positively with heritage value, emphasizing the importance of natural beauty, geomorphic features, natural habitat conservation, and landscape integrity during restoration. Visual attraction elements, such as water and vegetation, remained consistent pre- and post-restoration, though artificial elements, such as boardwalks, also drew attention. This study offers essential insights for landscape design and heritage management in post-disaster contexts.</p>