Abstract:This study explores the dynamics of Sino-Tibetan cultural integration in garden design through a case analysis of Norbulingka. Architectural surveys and historical documents reveal two complementary pathways: Norbulingka exemplifies bottom-up adaptation, where Han architectural techniques are localized with Tibetan contexts; the Summer Palace, by contrast, demonstrates a top-down strategy incorporating Tibetan symbols into Han structural frameworks. Both gardens reflect two key mechanisms—functional adaptation (e.g., climate-responsive collaboration) and symbolic recombination (e.g., visual and ideological motifs). These findings illustrate the dual drivers of cultural fusion within China's 'unity in diversity' framework. Accordingly, it proposes sustainable strategies for Norbulingka: preserving traditional technical pragmatism to maintain functional continuity, employing digital tools to transmit integrated cultural symbols, and facilitating community engagement to perpetuate its role as a contemporary hub for intercultural dialogue.