Urbanization processes are having a profound effect on the character of large cities in China. Whilst playing an important role in economic development, urbanization also has deleterious effects on the ecology of the city environment.The present population and industrial settlement characteristics giving rise to the urbanizat ion of Xi'an City are analysed. The impacts of urbanizat ion on Xi'an's ecology are assessed, and possible countermeasures to be taken in urban planning and management are proposed for the purpose of urban env ironmental protection.