To address the threat of characteristic loss within the historical and cultural district and to explore new avenues for sustainable preservation, this study conducts an analysis of the Gulangyu Historic and Cultural Block utilizing a dual-system framework based on “spatial-cultural” landscape genes. Spatial and cultural genes are identifi ed and examined, and space syntax is incorporated to quantitatively validate spatial structure and to facilitate strategy development. The fi ndings demonstrate that: (1) The spatial genes of Gulangyu exhibit features such as “mountain-sea adjacency” “mutual landscape borrowing” “clustered morphology” “winding paths” “terraced slopes” “diverse architectural styles” forming an overarching “central-axis-cluster” spatial confi guration. (2) The cultural genes encompass “craftsmanship heritage” “folk integration” “multicultural convergence” “coexistence of faith spaces” refl ecting the district’s rich cultural heritage. (3) Coupling analysis and space syntax reveal inherent relationships between spatial and cultural genes, confi rming the structural logic of most spatial genes while revealing mismatches infl uenced by social and cultural factors. Based on these fi ndings, a set of “spatial-cultural” collaborative conservation strategies— integrating spatial optimization and cultural activation—is proposed to support the sustainable development of Gulangyu and to provide quantitative, practical references for similar historical and cultural districts.