With the increasing occurrence of labor migration (LM), off-farm employment has emerged as a crucial means to augment the income of agricultural households, bridge the urban-rural divide, and achieve rural regeneration. This study utilized a multiple linear regression model and quantile regression model to examine the effect of LM location on rural households’ income. The analysis is based on research data from Jiangxi Province in 2018. The outcomes reveal that both intra-country LM and outside-of-county LM could make a substantial contribution to the increase of overall household income. However, the coefficient of impact for outside-of-county LM is greater. The findings of this study successfully passed the rigorous tests for robustness and endogeneity. Furthermore, the quantile regression analysis indicates that the greatest income-generating impact of intra-county LM occurred at the 90% quantile, whereas the highest income-generating impact of outside-of-county LM appeared at the 75% quantile. The study aims to determine if there is a variation in the income impact of LM in samples with distinct features. Specifically, it investigated the scale of forestland management and the LM of the household head. The results show that the promotion effect of intra-county LM on the total income of rural households was only observed in the sample group with a forestland area larger than 50 mu. Additionally, outside-of-county LM could only promote the growth of the total income of rural households in the sample group in which the head of household has not experienced labor migration. Hence, to enhance the growth of income for rural households amidst China’s urbanization, policymakers should facilitate the controlled migration of labor from rural areas to urban areas while also encouraging the migration of labor within rural areas.

Analyzing the internal logic of the value realization of forest ecological products is crucial for promoting the implementation of the “Two Mountains” concept. Although domestic and foreign research has explored the definitions, connotations, and realization paths, existing reviews still face two limitations. On the one hand, there is a lack of systematic integration and comparison of the accounting methods, influencing factors, and practical cases related to value realization. On the other hand, they fail to fully demonstrate the latest progress and synergistic relationships in key dimensions such as innovation in accounting methods, the diversification of market-oriented paths, and the improvement of institutional systems. Therefore, this study systematically reviews the theoretical foundations and explores multidimensional prospects. By constructing a systematic analytical framework that includes connotation definition, knowledge mapping analysis, influencing factors, practical cases, and research prospects, this review summarizes research progress in standardizing accounting methods, collaborative pathways involving governmental and market mechanisms, and key influencing factors spanning the supply-side, demand-side, institutional, and technological dimensions. Furthermore, through a comparative analysis of typical domestic and international cases, this study reveals the potential for differentiated realization models and global synergy. Finally, for addressing current challenges, this study proposes future research directions from six dimensions, including the innovation of accounting methods, the diversification of market-oriented pathways, and the improvement of institutional systems, to resolve the “triple dilemma” of applying digital technology, enhancing the value chain, and facilitating participation in global ecological governance. This study not only provides an integrated analytical framework for deepening the theory of value realization of forest ecological products, thereby fostering dialogue between academic research and policy practice, but it also offers theoretical references and practical guidance for China to optimize ecological compensation mechanisms and enhance the value of forest ecosystem services during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.