The Systematic protection and restoration of full-array ecosystems (mountains-rivers-forests-farmlands-lakes-grasslands-sandlands life community) is an important content of China's ecological civilization construction. To carry out ecological protection and restoration in a scientific manner, it is crucial to clarify the coupling mechanism of life community. However, current issues such as unclear coupling mechanisms, unsound theories, and insufficient methods are still very prominent and need to be addressed as soon as possible, which is not only unfavorable to the development of coupling related theories, but also hinder the effectiveness of overall protection and restoration practice. In order to solve the above problems, this paper summarizes the existing research from three aspects:coupling of ecological elements in a single ecosystem on the small watershed scale, coupling between different ecosystems on the watershed scale, and coupling between human and nature on the regional scale. Based on the coupling theory, we proposed a general coupling framework and preliminarily discussed the multiscale complex ecosystem coupling theory. We also suggested a coupling research approach of the full-array ecosystems by sorting out and comparing existing models such as ecosystem models, landscape models, statistical models, and multi-model coupling approaches for complex ecosystems. Finally, some suggestions are put forward to improve the integrated protection and restoration of the mountains-waters-forests-farmlands-lakes-grasslands-sandlands system. Firstly, construct multi-source information database based on observation data of natural ecosystem, remote sensing data, model simulation data and statistical data of social and economic system, to promote quantitative research of coupling mechanism. Secondly, carry out whole-life cycle monitoring and assessment, and explore adaptive governance paths. In addition, the network analysis method has great application potential, which is expected to reveal the network structure and change rules behind the mountain, water, forest, farmland, lake, grass and sandland system, and promote the adaptive governance of complex ecosystems. Thirdly, strengthen the participation of multiple subjects and improve the collaborative protection mechanism. Integrated conservation and restoration not only means that mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grass and sand are regarded as an organic whole in theoretical research, but also requires that the main bodies involved in conservation and restoration work, such as government departments, social organizations, scientific research institutions and enterprises, form a synergic working mechanism. In particular, the participation of the stakeholders in the whole process of ecological protection and restoration should be ensured. Under the guidance of a unified action framework, all parties should carry out integrated protection and restoration of various ecological elements. It is expected to help the relevant decision-makers clarify the coupling relationship between the elements and systems, enhance the scientific and effectiveness of governance, and promote the sustainable development of our country's society and environment.