Abstract: Sacred natural sites (SNS), an important component of the natural protected area system, are also a typical cultural landscape. They are historical records of interactions between man and nature, and their cultural values are the foundation upon which they exist. From simple natural protection to the integrated protection of cultural values, a review of directional transformation of SNS conservation practice in foreign countries helps us to reexamine the challenges faced in SNS conservation in our country from the perspective of ‘methods’ in the context of globalization developments, and it is of great significance for promoting the construction of ecological civilization in China. On the basis of expounding the concept of SNS, this paper, from the world heritage angle, comprehensively sorts out the progress of SNS protection with the participation of various international organizations. It summarizes the mainstream methodologies involved in the conservation, such as the landscape method and biocultural diversity method. Finally, it points out that in the context of the national park system, the keys to the success of SNS conservation in China are to fully carry out the basic research of local SNS, improve relevant planning and establish protection regulations, and coordinate the fair relationship among people, and between people and other species in SNS on the basis of sustainable development.