A comprehensive understanding of cultural ecosystem services (CES) constitutes the foundation for advancing high quality development. Investigating research priorities holds substantial academic significance for optimizing ecological product supply and territorial spatial resource allocation. Since its conceptual inception, CES research has evolved from a singular focus on static cultural valuations toward a multidimensional framework emphasizing the relational values between ecosystems and human well-being. Through a systematic review of current status of research, the following key findings are identified: (1) The valuation approaches of CES have evolved into integrated methodological frameworks combining social media data analytics, participatory mapping, questionnaire surveys, and model simulations. These integrated methodologies overcome inherent spatiotemporal constraints of conventional sampling methods, enabling large-scale dynamic assessments of CES distribution and utilization patterns. (2) Thematic analyses reveal that current studies primarily focus on analyzing supply-demand mismatches and coupling relationships in specific CES categories-particularly recreational and aesthetic services-alongside perceptual studies of cultural values. However, research gaps remain in assessing non-material services such as educational value and sense of place. Furthermore, natural drivers (e.g., topography, climate variability) and socioeconomic factors (e.g., population density, accessibility, public preferences) jointly influence CES provisioning. This highlights the critical need for integrated socio-ecological system analyses in CES governance to better understand and manage these complex interactions. (3) The existing regulatory strategies suffer from shortcomings in their decision-making frameworks and integrative management approaches, as scholarly applications often fail to adequately incorporate spatial planning frameworks, stakeholder engagement mechanisms, and adaptive management frameworks into a cohesive system. Based on these findings, we proposed the following key future research directions: (1) Establishing a standardized valuation framework by fusing multisource data and integrating interdisciplinary approaches across socioeconomic and natural systems to enhance the precision and systematic rigor of CES assessments. (2) Enhancing the study of spatial transmission mechanisms for diverse cultural service flows, uncovering their spatiotemporal evolution patterns and regional differentiation features. Developing a spatial optimization model based on dynamic supply-demand balance to guide territorial spatial planning. (3) Strengthening research on the interactions between CES and human well-being, expanding exploration of demand variations at large scales, and thereby refining the scientific management framework for ecosystems. (4) Deepening the study of the impact of CES on optimized management of terriorial space, constructing a scientific framework and operational guidelines for regulation and optimization, and applying research findings in terriorial spatial planning. This study offers a comprehensive review of key advancements in CES, reinforcing the scientific basis for ecosystem service management. By providing actionable insights for decision-makers and highlighting the crucial role of socio-ecological systems in spatial governance, it advances interdisciplinary research on the interconnections between ecosystems and human well-being.