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A Review of Fengshui Forests: Ecological Functions, Humanistic Values, and Potential Applications to Enhance Biodiversity in Urban Green Landscapes and Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

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  • Lingzi Liang

    (Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
    Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    BNBU Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Eco-Environmental Data of Zhuhai, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.)

  • Xiuzhi Wang

    (Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
    Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    BNBU Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Eco-Environmental Data of Zhuhai, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.)

  • Jian-Wen Qiu

    (Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Qin Gong

    (Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    BNBU Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Eco-Environmental Data of Zhuhai, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China)

  • Xun Li

    (Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    BNBU Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Eco-Environmental Data of Zhuhai, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    Guangdong Provincial/Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research and Application for Data Science, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China)

  • Siu-Tai Tsim

    (Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    BNBU Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Eco-Environmental Data of Zhuhai, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    Guangdong Provincial/Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research and Application for Data Science, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China)

Abstract

Sustainable urban development increasingly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of integrating local cultural landscapes into city planning. One compelling example is the concept of fengshui forests in China, which are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs associated with prosperity for local communities. This study explores how fengshui forests can inform urban landscape design, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to examine studies on the ecological functions and cultural significance of fengshui forests. This review included research articles, case studies, and ecological assessments, revealing that fengshui forests provide essential ecosystem services—such as preserving biodiversity, regulating microclimates, and sequestering carbon—while also offering unique cultural insights, economic resources, and tourism potential. Recognizing the critical role of plant selection and combination in urban landscape design, we compiled a database of 1196 recorded plant species from fengshui forests, detailing their physiological traits, geographical distribution, and social values. By employing diverse plant arrangement and combination, urban landscape designers can select suitable species to create green spaces that support a well-functioning food web and ecosystem, ultimately fostering biodiversity conservation. By harnessing both the ecological functions and cultural values of fengshui forests, this research highlights their potential to enhance urban eco-landscape design, promote eco-tourism, and aid in the preservation of local species. These forests, with their traditional roots and ecological significance, hold promise for advancing ecological civilization through effective biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingzi Liang & Xiuzhi Wang & Jian-Wen Qiu & Qin Gong & Xun Li & Siu-Tai Tsim, 2025. "A Review of Fengshui Forests: Ecological Functions, Humanistic Values, and Potential Applications to Enhance Biodiversity in Urban Green Landscapes and Achieve Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3314-:d:1630431
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bo-Xun Huang & Shang-Chia Chiou & Wen-Ying Li, 2021. "Landscape Pattern and Ecological Network Structure in Urban Green Space Planning: A Case Study of Fuzhou City," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-23, July.
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