Abstract: The basic function of recreational forestry nurseries is sapling production,as well as the recreational purpose.The kernel part for designing and building recreational nurseries is ornamental plants.A transformation design for Tianying forestry nursery to a recreational one was proposed in terms of thematic orientation,overall planning functional division and road system optimization.Six principles to be observed for exploiting the recreational function out of transformed forestry nurseries and the dividing method for the three major function sections were discussed.