Understanding and ways of demonstrating educational functions of urban green spaces were summarized on the basis of 4 historical periods:ancient times,period of the Republic of China,early years of the People’s Republic of China,and after the reform and opening up.In ancient times,imperial palace gardens and temple gardens were used to advocate morality and etiquette,so as to consolidate governance of the ruling class.In the period of the Republic of China,parks were used to propagate democracy,civilization and patriotism.In the early years of the People’s Republic of China,urban green spaces were mainly used as the base for cultural,ideological and political propagation.After the reform and opening up,educational contents and forms of urban green spaces have been enriched and gradually become bases for scientific popularization,cultural,humanistic,art and history education.Urban green spaces as the products of social development reflect evolution of political,economic,cultural and social environment,and changes of human needs in the changes of its educational content.