This study explores the impact of courtyard layout on emotional recovery and stress relief, using traditional southern Hebei courtyards as a case study. Four typical courtyard scenarios were created using virtual reality technology, with eye-tracking and heart rate variability measurements to assess the emotional regulation effects. The results show that courtyards with high greenery and plant diversity signifi-cantly enhance parasympathetic nervous activity and emotional recovery. In high-greenery courtyards, the LF/HF ratio (0.68±0.06) was significantly lower than that in non-greenery courtyards (1.40±0.21), while pNN50 (29.60%±1.76%) was significantly higher compared to non-greenery courtyards (15.98%±1.28%). Eye-tracking also indicated improved visual focus and comfort. The study highlights the key role of natural elements in promoting emotional recovery and relaxation in rural courtyard environments.