Abstract: Socio-economic development relies on ecological assets. However, the value of ecological assets has seldom been really embodied during development of the socio-economy, thus causing repeatedly ecological destruction and environmental pollution. Capitalization of ecological assets is an important way to realize proliferation of the assets and a development trend for ecological protection in the future, too. The concepts of resource, assets and capital as well as ecological resource, ecological assets and ecological capital are discussed and analyzed; the conception of ecological assets capitalization is brought forth and its four phases, i.e. front-end investment, ecological capital operation, value realization and ecological construction, are discussed. After elaboration of significance of the capitalization, it has been held that ecological assets capitalization is an effective means to harmonize natural protection and economic development, a reasonable way to avoid the phenomenon of "resource curse" and a solid foundation to realize marketization of ecological service values. Based on the discussion and analysis above, it is recommended to set up rational classification standards and evaluation procedures for ecological assets; to establish corresponding management authorities and accounts; to define property rights and enhance marketing environment; as well as to improve laws and regulations for the strengthening of macro-control by the government in order to ensure ecological assets capitalization practical.