Objective With the acceleration of urbanization, the conflict between ecological protection and economic development in national nature reserves in the metropolitan periphery has become increasingly prominent. As a low-impact, high-experience form of tourism, ecotourism has gradually become an important development model for national nature reserves in the metropolitan periphery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the spatial suitability of ecotourism development in the northern riverside area of Wuling Mountain, and to provide a scientific basis for coordinating conservation and tourism pressure.

Methods Using the Wuling Mountain National Nature Reserve as a typical case, this study systematically evaluated the suitability of ecotourism development in the reserve based on the theory and methods of the "dual evaluation" in national spatial planning, considering dimensions such as soil erosion sensitivity, land desertification sensitivity, and the importance of ecosystem services.

Results 1) Over 95% of the Wuling Mountain National Nature Reserve holds significant ecological protection value, especially the 44.26% designated as "extremely important ecological environment protection areas". It is recommended to implement strict protection measures in these areas, with a focus on preserving forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems, limiting large-scale development, and ensuring ecological stability and restoration. 2) Approximately 64.89% of the reserve is suitable for tourism development, among which 11.81% classified as "optimally suitable area for tourism development" possess excellent natural landscapes. It is suggested to develop high-end ecotourism within the "areas suitable for tourism" and conduct environmental carrying capacity assessments to ensure the sustainable development of tourism activities. 3) The "areas coupling between development and protection" account for about 25.73%; it is recommended to implement strict tourism management and promote low-density, eco-friendly tourism forms. For the 13.81% designated as "areas unsuitable for tourism" priority should be given to ecological protection, avoiding any form of tourism development, especially in high-altitude and ecologically sensitive areas.

Conclusions Through an assessment of the suitability of ecotourism in the Wuling Mountain National Nature Reserve, suggestions are made for a reasonable balance between ecological protection and tourism development. The aim is to promote a sustainable ecotourism model and ensure the long-term conservation and proper use of natural resources.