In the context of globalization and rapid urbanization, the challenges posed by the diminishing sense of place and the homogenization of spatial experiences in urban environments have become increasingly signifi cant. The concept of the spirit of place emphasizes local distinctiveness and the emotional bonds between individuals and their environments; however, current research on perception predominantly relies on formal expressions or cultural symbols to convey the signifi cance of place and lacks robust design methodologies and evaluation strategies. The concept of “aff ordance” within ecological perception theory, however, off ers a new perspective on the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment, rooted in direct perception and the potential for action. This study seeks to accomplish the following objectives: (1) to identify shifts in research priorities and overarching trends in this fi eld from 2011 to 2025; (2) to synthesize the core hierarchical framework and measurement indicator system pertaining to studies on the spirit of place from the perspective of ecological perception; (3) to summarize the methodological characteristics and trends in technological application of existing research. Based on this, and in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted of 1,771 articles published between 2011 and 2025 in the Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, resulting in the inclusion of 129 articles, with data analysis performed using CiteSpace 6.4 software. The study found that research on the spirit of place from an ecological perception perspective has evolved from classical conceptual interpretation to multisensory interaction and technological integration; it has formed three hierarchicaldimensions—subjective experience, interactive generation, and cross-regulation—as well as a multidimensional measurement framework; methodologically, both qualitative and quantitative approaches coexist, with new technologies driving the dynamic development of research. The study further revealed the coexistence of two major paradigms—the social constructionist paradigm and the ecological perception paradigm—within the fi eld of study of the spirit of place. Building upon this, it attempted a theoretical integration, proposing a comprehensive framework encompassing the contextual, bodily practice, and meaning-generation layers. This provides a more systematic theoretical foundation for understanding the continuity and shaping of the contemporary urban spirit of place from an ecological perception perspective.