Reviewing the Efficacy of Urban Landscape Design Strategies in China: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study evaluates the ecological effectiveness of urban landscape designs in Chinese cities through systematic PRISMA review methodology that integrates 70 peer-reviewed articles concerning design since 2018. Three core dimensions about cultural integration and ecological functionality and landscape integration receive explicit assessment for ecosystem services including carbon sequestration potential along with urban cooling intensity reductions and stormwater retention capacity as well as biodiversity outcomes including habitat connectivity indices and species richness gains and climate resilience. Research indicates that culturally sensitive design improves regional identity together with social cohesion yet maintains a superficial approach because it does not develop community-driven stewardship programs. Plant cover increases between 15 to 25 percent and habitat connections increase 30 percent while temperature decreases between 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and pollinator populations grow through ecological network approaches to urban development despite planning gaps and funding problems and implementation challenges from governance restrictions. Public spaces gain improved multifunctional character and aesthetic appeal when stakeholders implement landscape integration yet regulatory inconsistencies with stakeholder disputes reduce its effective implementation. The paper ends with recommendations for adopting ecological standard indicators in evaluations together with urban masterplan inclusion of macro-scale ecological planning both with stronger participatory governance and improved green space management systems. These findings present practicable guidance for enhancing biodiversity preservation and ecological stability together with ecosystem service delivery within urbanizing areas.