This article explores how land ownership rights affect sustainable land use. It compares two major theories of property rights: one focusing on fairness, the other on efficiency. The study looks at China's land ownership system and its impact on sustainable land practices. In rural areas, lack of land transferability limits efficient land use; in cities, government control leads to excessive land allocation and speculation. To improve sustainable land use, the study suggests creating more diverse land ownership systems, establishing markets for land transactions, and extending land use rights.