Habitat quality and ecosystem service value (ESV) are important foundations for sustainable development. Baoding, as the strategic hinterland of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, is of great significance to regional ecological conservation and sustainable urban development. Based on land-use data from 2000 to 2020, the land-use scenarios of natural development (ND), water protection (WP), forest rehabilitation (FR), and cultivated land protection (CP) in 2030 were predicted by the PLUS model and adopt the InVEST model and equivalent ESV table to assess ecological sustainability. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the construction land in Baoding has increased by 812 km², and the cultivated land and forest land decreased by 708 km² and 154 km². Habitat quality is obviously deteriorating in 4.66% of the city. (2) Under different scenarios, the order of habitat quality is CP > FR > WP > ND. The habitat quality under each scenario is dominated by medium habitat quality. (3) Under different scenarios, the order of ESV is FR > CP> WP > ND. The fluctuation of forest land and cultivated land scale is affecting the ESV. (4) CP and FR will form a land-use pattern that has “high ecological quality and value”, which better balances the economic development and ecological protection of Baoding. This research study will provide a reference for the effective allocation of land resources and will guide the formulation of urban land space planning policy in Baoding.

Urban parks are essential components of urban ecosystems, providing vital ecological resources for city residents. However, the rapid expansion of high-density urban areas has led to an unequal distribution of park resources, raising growing concerns about spatial equity. To address these challenges, we employed an improved Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, considering park quality variations and integrating sentiment scores from park reviews to calculate a comprehensive park accessibility index, accounting for both supply and demand dynamics among park users. The results demonstrate the significance of park management, as users prioritise convenience and cleanliness of public facilities. Recreational quality significantly influences park distribution equity, with areas near Beijing’s initial greenbelt zone showing improved accessibility (IA). Nonetheless, our analysis exposes disparities in urban park resource allocation within the Chaoyang District, indicating relative inequity. Spatial supply and demand mismatches, especially in the northwest and southeast, are evident. To enhance park layout equity, we recommend strategies like identifying and repurposing underused spaces, establishing pocket parks and micro-green areas, and improving recreational facilities. It is crucial to address the needs of vulnerable groups such as older residents and children. These insights stress the importance of ensuring fair urban park access to enhance the well-being of all city residents.

The plantscapes surrounding historical gardens hold significant value, reflecting the natural pristine state as well as demonstrating the cultural attributes of the landscape. This study aims to develop a method for identifying the characteristics of historic plantscapes and to recognize the authenticity of historic landscapes from the perspective of plant elements. Our method combines textual and geospatial data analysis to examine the plant species, their relationships and combinations, and spatial distribution. The case study focuses on the Beijing suburbs during the Qing Dynasty, as documented in A Collection of Past Events in Beijing. We identified 658 plants recorded, encompassing 44 families and 58 genera. These plants were categorized into 7 groups based on the growth type and morphological characteristics, leading to 54 plant relationship outcomes, 107 plant combination scenarios, 5 plant combination categories, and 7 representative plant combinations. Additionally, we mapped the spatial distribution of plants, forming 16 plantscape groups and depicting the spatial kernel density distribution of important plants. We also determined the characteristics of plantscapes in different directions in the suburb. Our findings advocate for respecting the historical development of the plantscape and understanding its evolution, particularly emphasizing the use of high-quality native plants and plant combinations.

Urban parks are essential components of urban ecosystems, providing vital ecological resources for city residents. However, the rapid expansion of high-density urban areas has led to an unequal distribution of park resources, raising growing concerns about spatial equity. To address these challenges, we employed an improved Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, considering park quality variations and integrating sentiment scores from park reviews to calculate a comprehensive park accessibility index, accounting for both supply and demand dynamics among park users. The results demonstrate the significance of park management, as users prioritise convenience and cleanliness of public facilities. Recreational quality significantly influences park distribution equity, with areas near Beijing’s initial greenbelt zone showing improved accessibility (IA). Nonetheless, our analysis exposes disparities in urban park resource allocation within the Chaoyang District, indicating relative inequity. Spatial supply and demand mismatches, especially in the northwest and southeast, are evident. To enhance park layout equity, we recommend strategies like identifying and repurposing underused spaces, establishing pocket parks and micro-green areas, and improving recreational facilities. It is crucial to address the needs of vulnerable groups such as older residents and children. These insights stress the importance of ensuring fair urban park access to enhance the well-being of all city residents.