This study examines the role of gamification and interaction design in enhancing visitor engagement and immersive experiences in ecotourism, using Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou as a case study. As a nationally recognized scenic area with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, Baiyun Mountain provides a valuable context for exploring innovative strategies in ecotourism. The study integrates self-determination theory, which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness, with gamification elements such as task challenges, point systems, and achievement rewards, alongside multisensory interaction design. These approaches aim to encourage deeper engagement and active participation in conservation activities. Interactive tasks, including species identification and waste sorting, were combined with augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance visitors’ understanding of the environment and foster a sense of responsibility for its protection. Data from surveys and interviews with 156 visitors indicate that gamification significantly increases visitor engagement, particularly when social interaction and collaboration are involved. Cooperative tasks and leaderboards motivated participants and encouraged a sense of collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship. One notable finding was the emergence of an “ecological leadership” effect, where participants who completed tasks took on leadership roles, motivating others to engage in environmental activities. Additionally, interaction design elements such as personalized guides and real-time feedback further strengthened visitors’ connection with their surroundings. The results suggest that combining gamification and interaction design can transform passive visitors into active contributors to conservation efforts, promoting long-term sustainability in ecotourism.