A new economic pattern "hypercycle economy" oriented to the requirements of an ecological civilization is researched under the background of global climate change. This study includes its basic principles, structural models, operational mechanism, and practical applications. Firstly, the evolving process of economic patterns in different periods is summarized as follows: "cradle-to-product" in an extensive economy, "cradle-to-grave" in an end-treatment economy, and "cradle-to-cradle" in a circular economy, through the analysis of system structures. Following the trend of "green" evolution, a new theoretical hypothesis of hypercycle economy is conceived, and its conceptual structure of "breeding-to-breeding" is described, according to the symbiosis theory of human civilization's evolution and the hypercycle theory put forth by Manfred Eigen in the 1970s. Next, the principle of hypercycle economy is applied to an expanded forest-paper system (EFPS). By analyzing the development and the bottlenecks of the Chinese paper industry, and its relationship with forestry and the natural environment, a series of structure models for EFPS hypercycle economy are studied by means of layer-by-layer expansion in the logical order of resources chain, eco-chain, and value chain (three chains, or 3C). Specifically, the hypercycle structure models for different layers are established successively as follows: the core layer of resources chain in pulp and paper system, expanded layer of resources chain in the supply chain system, expanded layer of eco-chain in the natural environment system, and expanded layer of value chain in the socio-economy system. Then, a multi-layer expansion-nestification overall model of EFPS hypercycle economy is constituted by means of synthesizing the structure models of various layers. This model not only reveals the complete picture of the EFPS hypercycle economy system, but also retains the system structures of its various layers. Thus, this not only provides references for governments at different levels to make national or regional development plans about circular economy, but also provides support to various economic entities, such as manufacturing enterprises, forestry organizations, supply chains, and business associations to make green business decisions. Finally, the above-mentioned empirical research is promoted in theory. On the one hand, the 5R principle of hypercycle economy is proposed as follows: reduction, recycle, reuse, redistribution, and recultivation. On the other hand, a 5R-3C theoretical model is created according to the 5R principle and the three chains, and then its symbiotic operational mechanism is researched. The study shows that the industrial system and ecosystem can achieve a positive circle of mutualism in hypercycle economy. The main innovations of the above research are as follows. In principle, the conceptual structure, essential attributes, and 5R principles of hypercycle economy oriented to an ecological civilization are revealed. In mechanism, 5R-3C model and its symbiotic operational mechanism for hypercycle economy are founded. And in realization, the concrete multi-layer expansion-nestification model of EFPS hypercycle economy is established, which contributes a practical example for the application of hypercycle economy theory to a wider field.