[Objective] The aims of this study are to clarify the coupling process between the landscape ecological security pattern and the multi-scenario simulation of the production-life-ecology space, and to provide reference for maintaining regional ecological security and optimizing the spatial development pattern of land. [Methods] As a constraint condition, landscape ecological security pattern was coupled to FLUS model. Four scenarios were set up by adjusting the cost of land conversion under different scenarios to predict the spatial structure and layout of production-life-ecology in target years (2025 and 2035). [Results] The scales of ecological land under low, medium and high security levels in Nanjing are 1 537.41, 2 576.85, 2 928.59 km², respectively, the proportions to the total land area are 23.34%, 39.12% and 44.46%, respectively. Compared to the other scenarios, the balanced development scenario maintains a certain degree of ecological security, various space changes tend to moderate. By 2025 and 2035, production space will only increase in 2.09 km² and 2.02 km², living space will increase in 28.55 km² and 46.27 km², and ecological space will decrease in 30.64 km² and 48.29 km². This scenario meets the demand of economic development for construction land, gives consideration to food security and ecological protection and promots the comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development of economy, society and ecology. [Conclusion] Based on production-life-ecological balanced development, optimizing the development pattern of national land space is conducive to realizing intensive and efficient production space, livable and moderate living space, and beautiful ecological space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]