The temporal evolution of entropy of Jiuzhaigou ecotourism areal system has been quantitatively analyzed by using equation of system entropy V = k lnM − k lnC. The computed entropy for Jiuzhaigou ecotourism areal system for 20 years indicates a negative value during 1986–1996, which implies that the system had remained a healthy state during this period. The system entropy value, however, showed a constant increase since 1996 until it turned to be positive in 2000 when the system became chaotic. After 2000 the entropy value declined until 2003 when it escalated once again. By analyzing the causes and process of entropy change of the system, it is argued that fluctuation of entropy value is due to the overloading of tourist service capacity by tourism activities. It is desired to curb the flow of tourist volume and reinforce conservation efforts as well as, so that an ideal balance between conservation and development could be maintained.

This study is based on the theory of social embedding and selects the entrance community of Baoping County in the Giant Panda National Park as a case to explore the five core dimensions of cognitive embedding, relational embedding, structural embedding, institutional embedding, and cultural embedding and their mechanisms of influence on pro-environmental behaviors (mainly the five dimensions discussed). The study constructs a “stimulus—organism—response” (S-O-R) model, introduces two mediating variables, tourism impact perception and place attachment, and conducts empirical analysis based on 326 valid questionnaire responses using structural equation modeling. The results show that all dimensions of social embedding have a significant positive impact on pro-environmental behaviors, but the mechanisms and transmission paths vary. Each dimension indirectly influences pro-environmental behaviors through the chain path of “tourism impact perception → place attachment.” The study reveals the key role of social relationship networks, tourism perception, and emotional belonging in stimulating environmental behaviors and emphasizes the need to systemically enhance residents’ ecological responsibility awareness and action willingness through community co-construction, optimization of tourism benefits, and cultural atmosphere creation.