Practicing concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” to advance high-quality development of territorial space

The concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” (two mountains concept) constitutes an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, providing the fundamental guidance for establishing China’s territorial space planning system and its associated technical framework. This study analyzes the specific manifestations and root causes of the periodic conflicts between urban development space and ecological space in China. It further examines the theoretical value and practical significance of the two mountains concept in fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature from the perspective of spatial planning. Currently, China is in a critical period for embarking on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. It will remain imperative to adhere to the two mountains concept as the guide in the future. This entails further refining the technical methods for territorial space planning and its implementation mechanisms to drive the high-quality development of national territorial space. Key recommendations include prioritizing: cross-administrative joint protection and management of the ecological environment focused on integrated ecological units; mechanistic and technological innovations of promoting “harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature” at the urban scale.