Abstract:As an important branch of traditional Chinese gardens, Lingnan gardens embody traditional elements of significant artistic and historical value. However, systematic theoretical frameworks for their research have yet to be fully established. To address this gap, this study introduces cultural gene theory and employs the three-level theory of culture to extract the cultural genes of Lingnan gardens from three dimensions: explicit material culture, implicit spiritual culture, and intermediate social culture. A cultural gene map is constructed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE). Research findings indicate that genes such as architectural forms, construction techniques, folk culture, and philosophical spirit hold significant positions in the cultural genes of Lingnan gardens. The cultural genes of Lingnan gardens are not only manifested at the material level but also profoundly influence social functions and cultural heritage. The extraction and quantitative analysis of these cultural genes help clarify cultural contexts, deeply explore the cultural connotations and historical values of Lingnan gardens, and provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the innovative development of modern Lingnan gardens.