Under the background of urban expansion, ecological protection cannot be delayed. The construction of ecological networks is of considerable significance to ecosystem services. However, in the process of constructing a corridor network, there is no uniform standard for the selection of ecological sources and the determination of cost factors. The InVEST model is an effective complement to ecosystem service assessment for sensitively measuring external threats and their threat intensity. Therefore, taking Wuhan as an example, we combined InVEST and the least cost path model (LCP) to construct a multi-target corridor network with comprehensive cost factors for birds and small terrestrial mammals. The results showed that: (1) The InVEST model provided a reliable basis for ecological source screening by demonstrating the distribution of habitat quality. (2) The corridor with a length of 12–25 km presented a “U” shape, and the impact of urbanization on small terrestrial mammals was more significant than that of birds. (3) The integrated network pattern proposed by the “point-line-plane” principle would provide a reference for urban ecological construction and sustainable development.

The Ming Great Wall (M-GW) is the most representative large linear heritage in China, and faces the problem of landscape fragmentation caused by traditional monument-based protection and disorderly tourism development. We propose to utilise character-based approach for managing landscape change and preserving its integrity. This paper presents a hierarchical characterisation method for the M-GW landscape in Ji-Town in two steps: definition and delimitation of landscape area, and zoning of landscape characters. The landscape area was identified based on the landscape relevance of the space from natural, cultural, and visual aspects. The landscape character types and areas were identified by two dominant attributes using a layout method at Level I (general zoning), and by eight specific attributes using a synthetic method that combines digital and manual approaches at Level II (detailed zoning). According to the analysis results, a wide belt landscape area of about 8650.7 km² was delimited. A total of eight landscape character types, 15 sub-types, 47 landscape character areas and 359 sub-areas were obtained. Additionally, the results highlighted the key landscape characteristics that could be used for the planning and construction of the National Cultural Park. Finally, this research provides further direction for the theoretical and technical basis of future research on landscape characterization and sustainable management of the whole M-GW and other linear heritage landscapes.

The recognition of landscape as cultural heritage has increasingly brought together work on landscape and heritage in recent years. In a practical sense, this has been recognised through effective landscape management strategies that have sought to encompass wider information on the historic environment and its associated values. Across Europe in recent years, effective assessment and management of the historic environment have developed through a conversation around such schemes as landscape character assessment (LCA) and historic landscape characterisation (HLC). Further work is required, however, in order to extend this conversation further in trans‐cultural contexts. This paper explores the possibilities of developing such a conversation through geographic information system (GIS) modelling that draws on both western LCA/HLC perspectives and Chinese Shan‐Shui philosophies. We believe that a creative conversation between western and Chinese landscape heritage philosophies might be able to allow landscape characterisation approaches that use GIS methodologies to attain a greater depth of heritage understanding within their operation. Through trans‐cultural exchange, therefore, this research explores how a novel and indigenous language (of Shan‐Shui characterisation) might enliven western LCA, thus providing a productive conversation between different disciplines, philosophies, and culture cognitions.

Along with the progression of globalized climate change, flooding has become a significant challenge in low-lying plain river network regions, where urban areas face increasing vulnerability to extreme climate events. This study explores climate-adaptive land use strategies by coupling blue–green infrastructure (BGI) with conventional gray infrastructure, forming blue–green–gray infrastructure (BGGI), to enhance flood resilience at localized and regional scales. By integrating nature-based solutions with engineered systems, this approach focuses on flood mitigation, environmental co-benefits, and adaptive land-use planning. Using the Minhang District in Shanghai as a case study, the research employs geospatial information system (GIS) analysis, hydrological modeling, and scenario-based assessments to evaluate the performance of BGGI systems under projected climate scenarios for the years 2030, 2050, and 2100. The results highlight that coupled BGGI systems significantly improve flood storage and retention capacity, mitigate risks, and provide ecological and social benefits. Water surface-to-catchment area ratios were optimized for primary and secondary catchment areas, with specific increases required in high-risk zones to meet future flood scenarios. Ecological zones exhibited greater adaptability, while urban and industrial areas required targeted interventions. Scenario-based modeling for 2030, 2050, and 2100 demonstrated the scalability, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of BGI in adapting to climate-induced flooding. The findings contribute to the existing literature on urban flood management, offering a framework for climate-adaptive planning and resilience building with broader implications for sustainable urban development. This research supports the formulation of comprehensive flood management strategies that align with global sustainability objectives and urban resilience frameworks.

The interaction of human activity in national parks and their surrounding areas with natural landscapes is an important factor in the formulation of strategies for the protection and management of protected areas. From an integrated ecological and social perspective, this study aims to develop a human–land coupling model to reveal the ecological threats of human activities to national park and their surrounding areas under rapid urbanization. We first established a four-quadrant model based on the coupling relationship between human activity intensity (HAI) and the landscape pattern index (LPI). On this basis, we analyzed the spatial coupling characteristics of these indices from 2000 to 2020, preliminarily assessed the human–land relationship in Lushan National Park and its surrounding areas (LNPSA), and then explored the driving factors of the coupling relationship. The results show the following. (1) The proportion of regions with high and extremely high human activity intensity increased from 6.02% to 16.41% over the past two decades. These regions are mainly distributed in the surroundings of Lushan National Park, showing a gradually spreading trend to the core protected area. (2) The surroundings had higher landscape fragmentation, landscape diversity, and total variation in the landscape pattern compared with the core protected area. (3) Vegetation coverage and distance to Lushan have the most significant effect on the human–land coupling relationship in LNPSA, and human activity and natural evolution together shape the characteristics of this relationship in the study area. (4) Utilizing administrative divisions as the fundamental framework, the study area is delineated into four distinct zones based on the results of the human–land coupling analysis—harmonious development zones, stable transformation zones, environmental regulation zones, and risk prevention zones—with tailored optimization strategies proposed for each zone’s characteristics. These findings can facilitate the optimized formulation of schemes for different regions and provide a comprehensive methodology to guide the planning and management of natural protected areas.

Despite the growing interest in Chinese gardens, there is a lack of research on Changsha Gardens. Through document retrieval, review, and map analysis, we reconstructed the Changsha Gardens during the Ming Dynasty. Our findings reveal that gardening flourished in Changsha during this period. The royal gardens, dominated by literati aesthetics, set the trend for development, while the landscaping techniques were influenced by Jiangnan Gardens. Private gardens placed more emphasis on artistic mood and cultural implications. Landscape architects incorporated towers, terraces, and suburban mountain gardening to borrow scenery. The use of spring water to create landscapes and the rectangular shapes of the water bodies reflected Neo-Confucianism and practical functions. Planting design focused on meaning over form, with landscapes used to commemorate sages and promote the farming and reading culture and other Confucian values. However, it relied too much on borrowing natural scenery and the pragmatism of the Hunan culture, which might have affected the progress of landscaping techniques and the development of Changsha Gardens. Changsha Gardens were not as skilled as Jiangnan Gardens, and the style was not as prominent as other regional schools of gardens. This might be the reason why Changsha Gardens have not become one of the regional schools of gardens in China.