In this study, we investigate how the performance of sensor-enabled IoT smart guiding systems in heritage village tourism environments translates into tourists’ revisit intention (RV) through psychological response mechanisms. Using Xixi Heritage Village in Dongguan as the empirical setting, a chained structural model linking smart service quality (SSQ), tourist experience (EXP), tourism image (IM), and RV is proposed and empirically validated. The smart guiding system integrates sensor-based location detection and mobile interpretation services, enabling visitors to access heritage information through an IoT-enabled sensing environment. Valid responses from a total of 700 questionnaire respondents were collected and divided into two subsamples: Sample A (n = 300) for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, and Sample B (n = 400) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results show that the measurement model demonstrates satisfactory model fit, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Structural equation modeling indicates that SSQ significantly enhances EXP, which further affects both IM and RV, while IM also significantly influences RV. In addition, IM partially mediates the relationship between EXP and RV, accounting for 60.6% of the total effect. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of IoT smart guiding systems depends not only on technological deployment but also on whether visitors perceive the sensor-supported system as accurate, accessible, interactive, and trustworthy. Such perceived system performance enhances visitor experience, strengthens IM, and ultimately increases RV, providing insights for the design and management of sensor-integrated heritage tourism systems.