Emerging evidence underscores the beneficial effects of campus green spaces (CGSs) on student well-being and recovery. Previous research has predominantly examined the independent roles of landscape characteristics and preferences in mental restoration. However, limited studies have explored the complex interrelationships among restorative effects, landscape characteristics, preferences, and place-bonding factors, particularly within the context of CGSs. To address this gap, this study developed a validated campus landscape perception scale comprising three dimensions (perception of natural characteristics, perception of artificial characteristics, spatial perception) and 20 related indicators. In the second phase, the scale was used to investigate the influence mechanism of perceived campus landscape characteristics on mental restoration. A total of 36 CGSs across six higher education institutions in Nanjing were selected, representing diverse spatial types. The restoration experiences of 759 participants were measured using psychological indicators when viewing these landscapes. With the help of deep learning techniques, landscape elements were integrated with perceptual factors for partial least squares (PLS)-based statistical analysis. Our findings indicate that the natural and spatial dimensions significantly influence mental restoration, whereas the artificial dimension does not directly impact psychological health. Nevertheless, all dimensions indirectly enhance mental restoration through landscape preference and perceived restorativeness. The study also revealed the moderating effect of objective landscape elements on the relationship between the perception of landscape characteristics and landscape preference. This study confirms the positive role of perceived campus landscape characteristics in fostering mental restoration among students and elucidates the intricate pathway of influence, namely “perception of landscape characteristics → landscape preference → perceived restorativeness → mental restoration”. These findings offer new insights into the complex processes of environmental restoration, where psychological and physical factors are intertwined. Finally, theoretical and managerial implications for improving landscape planning in restoration research are proposed.