Abstract: Traditional principles and adjustment of administrative divisions in China do not take ecological factors into account adequately, but could even espouse some conflicts with ecological governance． In this study it is proposed that administrative divisions should follow ecological principles: to take the ecological protection and development as an important starting point for the adjustment and optimization of administrative divisions． The adjustment of administrative divisions could become an important means to improve ecological governance and to promote ecological civilization． To adjust and optimize administrative divisions in accordance with ecological principles, it is necessary to follow the guiding role of ecological functional divisions． The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has important ecological functions in China, but the division of administrative divisions has affected ecological governance． The planning and construction of major ecological projects also challenge existing administrative divisions in this area. In the future, the adjustment of administrative divisions should be considered as a means to promote ecological governance in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau． The resource effect of administrative divisions should be considered to promote spatial governance capacity of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and to promote ecological civilization．