Abstract: Climate change is a major global challenge with profound impacts on the structure and function of forest ecosystems. As a vital carbon sink in the terrestrial ecosystem, forests play a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity maintenance. However, global warming is rapidly altering the structure and function of forest ecosystems. To clarify the effects of warming on forest ecosystems and underlying mechanisms, we systematically reviewed research progress both in China and abroad. Based on the findings from simulated warming experiments and ecological modeling studies conducted in China, we explored the effects of warming on nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), hydrological cycle, plant phenology (both above and belowground), plant physiological traits (roots, stems, and leaves), and the structure of soil microbial communities. Warming influenced material cycles and energy flows by affecting the structure and function of soil microbial communities and plant physiological and phenological characteristics, ultimately impacting nutrient supply, carbon sink function, and biodiversity maintenance ability of forest ecosystems. Although there have been significant progresses, it is necessary to further integrate multidisciplinary technologies to conduct long-term and cross-scale studies on the synergistic effects of multiple factors, which would provide theoretical support for the sustainable development of forests.

Key words: forest ecosystem, productivity, nutrient cycling, soil microbial community, ecosystem services