1. The Origins of Ideal Human Habitats: From African Savannahs to the Peach Blossom Spring

Publisher: Peking University Press, 2021

Professor Yu Kongjian explores human habitats, landscape culture, and ecological ideals through the journey “From African Savannahs to the Peach Blossom Spring.” Following its release, the book sparked active discussions on reader platforms like Douban and was recommended as ecological civilization reading material by multiple universities.

2. Urban and Natural Ecology

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2019

As part of the “Urban and Rural Development Series for Green Growth,” this volume focuses on harmonizing urban development with natural ecosystems. It represents research outcomes in urban-rural construction from a green development perspective. Building on its findings, Professor Yu Kongjian's 2021 course “Urban and Natural Ecology” was selected as a “National Exemplary Course for Studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

3. Sponge Cities: Theory and Practice (Volumes I & II)

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2016

This book systematically elaborates the theoretical framework and practical case studies of “sponge cities.” Following its publication, the author received exclusive interviews from domestic and international media, and Professor Yu Kongjian was honored with an international design award for this research.

4. Ecological Security Pattern of the Nation: Spatial Strategies for Restoring Beautiful Mountains and Rivers

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2012

This book serves as a systematic text on ecological security pattern theory, presenting its application at the national land level. The work was selected as one of the “Landmark Achievements in Global Ecological Planning over the Past 50 Years.” It underpinned policy development such as the State Council's Opinions on Delineating Ecological Protection Redlines and was incorporated into the national territorial spatial planning system, playing a significant role in advancing land planning and environmental protection policies.

5. Regional Ecological Security Patterns: The Beijing Case

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2012

This book focuses on the practical pathways for establishing Beijing's ecological security patterns. It has been cited in urban planning, environmental protection, and regional governance, demonstrating its value in bridging policy and practice.

6. The Grand Canal of Beijing-Hangzhou: National Heritage and Ecological Corridor

Publisher: Peking University Press, 2012

Based on a 2004 full-length cycling survey, this book proposes a holistic conservation concept treating the Grand Canal as an integrated ecological, cultural, and economic corridor. It systematically catalogs canal heritage assets for the first time and delineates three tiers of protection zones. Selected for the “National Philosophy and Social Sciences Achievements Library” and featured in a special report by Guangming Daily, it advanced the Grand Canal's UNESCO World Heritage nomination and the theoretical and practical development of national heritage corridors.

7. Back to the Land

Publisher: Sanlian Books, 2009

This book advocates a landscape cultural perspective of “returning to the land” and reactivating natural processes, serving as a crucial starting point for the author's ecological-cultural reflections.

8. The Art of Survival: Positioning Contemporary Landscape Architecture

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2006

Defining landscape architecture as “the art of survival,” this work proposes addressing global environmental crises through ecological infrastructure, advocating “anti-planning” approaches and the revival of indigenous wisdom. Recommended by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, it was translated into English for international dissemination and stands as a seminal text in contemporary landscape theory.

9. The “Anti-Planning” Approach

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2005

This book systematically elaborates the “anti-planning” concept, ensuring ecological service functions through landscape security frameworks. Following its publication, related practices received the ASLA Planning Honor Award, garnered extensive media coverage, and sparked widespread discussion in urban ecological planning.

10. Landscape Architecture: Profession, Discipline, and Education

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2003

This commemorative volume for the establishment of Peking University's Landscape Architecture Research Institute systematically articulates disciplinary development and educational philosophies. It has been adopted as a teaching reference by numerous universities.

11. Pathways to Urban Landscape: Conversations with Mayors

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press, 2003

This work directly addresses the shortcomings of the “urban beautification movement,” urging mayors to replace formalistic projects with ecological infrastructure and proposing a “landscape-led development” strategy. With a foreword by Academician Zhou Gan-zhi, it has become a key reference in urban ecological governance. Reprinted multiple times since publication, it is hailed as “the earliest landscape publication to inspire public policymakers.”

12. The Origins of Ideal Landscapes: The Cultural Significance of Feng Shui and Ideal Landscapes

Publisher: Commercial Press, First Edition 1998, Reprinted 2000

This work reveals the ecological wisdom underlying feng shui, proposing that the Chinese ideal landscape model incorporates core structures such as “protective barriers, boundary anchors, and isolation zones for nurturing vitality.” It critiques tendencies to mystify feng shui. Frequently cited in CCTV's Hundred Schools Forum, Xinhua News Agency, and various cultural columns covering “traditional ecological wisdom,” it provides a cultural foundation for subsequent theories like “ecological wisdom” and “sponge cities.” Readers continue to engage in discussions around “feng shui and ecological perspectives.”