Objective Establishing an ecological network that fosters “city-lake symbiosis” is essential for addressing the conflict between urban development and environmental conservation in lakeside cities. Using Hefei as a case study, this research identifies connectivity deficiencies between Chaohu Lake and urban areas and proposes optimization strategies.

Method The study employs a “source-corridor-node” analytical framework based on MSPA, the MCR model, the gravity model, and circuit theory. Ecological sources were identified using MSPA, and an optimal distance threshold of 7 500 m was determined through landscape connectivity gradient analysis. An ecological resistance surface was constructed, incorporating land use type, slope, elevation, and road factors. The MCR model was utilized to extract corridors, which were further classified using the gravity model. Critical nodes were identified using circuit theory, facilitating network optimization and quantitative evaluation.

Result (1) The ecological network of Hefei encompasses 1 494.64 km² of core ecological sources and 271 ecological corridors, including 69 primary corridors. The network structure exhibits a spatial pattern characterized by “greater density in the south, sparser distribution in the north, and clustering around the lake.” (2) By addressing ecological barrier points and augmenting ecological sources, the network closure index, network connectivity index, and network connectivity rate improved from 0.96, 2.85, and 0.97 before optimization to 1.02, 2.99, and 1.01, respectively, demonstrating a marked enhancement in network connectivity. (3) Based on the spatial characteristics of Hefei’s ecological network, 310.53 km² of ecological pinch points and 54 ecological barrier points were identified. A strategy of "zonal differentiation and targeted management" was proposed.

Conclusion This study elucidates the radial connectivity pattern centered on the lake in lakeside cities. The proposed integrated strategy of pinch point protection and barrier elimination offers methodological support for constructing ecological security barriers in the Yangtze River Delta region.