Abstract: Based on analyzing the situation of the culture of traditional vernacular dwellings,it is put forward the concept of `ecological culture of the rural settlements',and relevant theories such as ecology,landscape,and building physics are applied to a further study on their basic characteristics,forming mechanism,landscape values,spatial features,as well as social and economic benefits.Further more,it is pointed out that the importance of integrating the development of the culture of rural settlements with technique,it is also commented on the design principles and relevant policies with the planning,exploiting,utilizing and protecting the settlement environment,such views of analyzing could have an aggressive insfruction function to the current development of touring with ecological culture of rural settlements and the sustainable development.